Morgantown/Honey Brook JANUARY 1, 2020
IN THIS ISSUE: LIBRARY SYSTEM EXTENDS SERVICE page 5
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL XXVII • NO 50
STORY TIME
The Honey Brook Community Library, 687 Compass Road, Honey Brook, will present Story Time With Miss Jennifer at 10 a.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays from Jan. 8 through Feb. 27. The program will feature stories, songs, and crafts geared toward preschool children ages 2 to 5, though children of all ages are welcome. For more information, call the library at 610-273-3303 or email jspade@ccls.org. More information about library activities is available at www.honeybrooklibrary.org and by searching for “Honey Brook Community Library” on Facebook. PHOTOGRAPHY PROGRAM
The Berks County Parks and Recreation Department will present a winter nature photography program on Saturday, Jan. 4, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Bingaman Nature Center, 2843 Hill Road, Reading. The program will start with a slide presentation and cold weather tips and techniques. Professional photographer Valerie Hoffman will then lead attendees on an exploratory walk around the park, capturing moments in nature. The free program is for people of all ages. To register, readers may call 610374-2944, ext. 2611. BREAKFAST BUFFET
Geigertown Fire Company,
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY
The Great Winter Warm-Up event will be held on Saturday, Jan. 18, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Village Square Park at Garden Spot Village, 433 S. Kinzers Ave., New Holland. Participants will knot handmade comforters in celebration of Mennonite Central Committee’s (MCC) 100th anniversary. MCC’s goal for this day is to collect 6,500 comforters across the United States and Canada for distribution to people experiencing disaster and conflict around the world. Participants may bring a bag lunch or dine at one of the Garden Spot Village restaurants. To learn more about the initiative, visit https://mcc .org/centennial/great-winter-warm.
Antique Car Club Honors Members pg 2
VEP Names Tutors Of The Year pg 2
Connecting The Generations PVHS Students Help Seniors Navigate Technology By Ann Mead Ash
Several years ago a Tel Hai Retirement Community employee wanted to find a way to bring students and seniors together. She connected with teachers at Pequea Valley High School (PVHS), and a few suggestions were tossed around before someone hit upon the idea of students offering to aid seniors with questions about technology. “They came up with the idea of tech help, because our residents find computers and email difficult,” said Judy Schweitzer, community life coordinator with Tel Hai. “(Some residents) have problems with their equipment, and they don’t have an IT department (to
turn to). They have to figure out a lot of this on their own.” Tel Hai connected with members of the PVHS technology support program called Apple Core. PVHS students who are part of Apple Core are trained to troubleshoot computer issues in a variety of devices. Now in college, Alyssa Yoder, then a PVHS sophomore, was introduced to helping the Tel Hai residents through a friend. “I would volunteer on Saturdays … and I became very comfortable working with the residents,” Alyssa explained. When her friend graduated, Alyssa took over the program, which is now in the hands of her younger sister Megan, a PVHS junior. See Technology Help pg 3
Pequea Valley High School students and Tel Hai residents who gathered for a recent technology support session at the retirement community included (from left) Dorothy Stein, Megan Yoder, Bailey Henshaw, and Judy Ewald.
Resolve To Make A Difference In 2020 By Francine Fulton
With the arrival of the new year, many people have made resolutions to make positive changes in their lives. Representatives from local nonprofit organizations hope that people will resolve to become volunteers in 2020, giving the most valuable gift of all - the gift of time.
The Volunteer English Program (VEP) in Chester County is seeking tutors to provide weekly, one-to-one English language instruction for adult immigrants or refugees living in Chester County. A three-day, nine-hour tutor training workshop will be held at St. Francis-inthe-Fields Episcopal Church, 689 Sugartown Road, Malvern, on Thursday, Jan. 9; Monday, Jan. 13; and Tuesday, Jan. 14, from 9 a.m. to noon each day. Participants will be asked to pay a workshop fee for materials and refreshments. According to Terri Potrako, VEP executive director, tutors are asked to make a one-year commitment to the program. See Volunteers pg 6
Dr. Susan Jacques Pierson (left) tutors Jin Lou (center) and Yeon Mee Hong as part of the Volunteer English Program (VEP) of Chester County. VEP is one of many local organizations seeking volunteers willing to donate their time in 2020.
First Day Hikes Planned On Jan. 1
A First Day Hike will be held on Jan. 1 at Marsh Creek State Park, Downingtown. Other local hikes will be also be held on New Year’s Day. By Francine Fulton
A great way to start off the new year is to take part in a First Day Hike. Free First Day Hikes will be held at parks throughout the country on Wednesday, Jan. 1, as part of a nationwide effort to promote fitness and encourage people to get outdoors. Locally, Warwick County Park, 191 County Park Road, Pottstown, will hold
a ranger-led New Year’s Day Hike from 2 to 3 p.m. Attendees will learn about the natural and cultural history of the park. For more information, readers may call 610-469-1916. Clyde Godschall, who is a hike leader for the Elverson Walking Club (EWC) and the Berks Community Strollers, will lead a First Day Hike at French Creek State Park. The group will meet at the west boat launch of Hopewell See First Day Hikes pg 6
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MCC
3433 Hay Creek Road, Robeson Township, will host an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet on Sunday, Jan. 5, from 7 to 11 a.m. For more information, readers may call 610-286-6481 or visit www.geigertownfireco.com. Readers may also check out the fire company’s Facebook page.
Seminar To Detail Backyard Bird Count pg 6