Morgantown/Honey Brook townlively.com
MARCH 19, 2025
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL XXXIII • NO 7
Banquet to celebrate Tel Hai Camp & Retreat’s 75th anniversary BY FRANCINE FULTON
Tel Hai Camp & Retreat in Honey Brook will hold its annual spring celebration banquet on Monday, April 7, at the Shady Maple banquet facility, 129 Toddy Drive, East Earl. Doors will open at 6 p.m. for seating and appetizers, and the program will begin at 6:30 p.m.
This year’s event will celebrate the camp’s 75th anniversary, and the program will feature testimonies offered by those who have attended camp activities through the years. “In past years, we had (entertainment) like a juggler or live music. This year, my focus is celebrating 75 years and having people share experiences of being at See Banquet pg 3
Participants included (left photo, from left) Haven and Michelle Halter and (right photo, from left) Phyllis Landis and Emma Frustaci.
Bringing generations together Birdsboro library hosts story time event at Keystone Villa BY FRANCINE FULTON
“When I started last year, I reached out to (Keystone Villa) esidents of Keystone Villa to see if they were interested at Douglassville enjoyed in collaborating on a stor y a recent visit from young time between the kids and the patrons from the Boone Area Librar y in Birdsboro, when youth coordinator Amber Hamel “My goal (is) to brou g ht the Mond ay stor y engage the library and time program to the retirement community. the kids in different Not only does story time aim community aspects as to promote a love of reading for much as possible.” young children, but having the event on-site is a benefit to the residents as well. “They love (the children),” said Kim Haas, resi- residents,” Hamel said of the dent life director for the personal partnership. “ Their program care facility at Keystone Villa. coordinator was very excited to “When they see kids, they light have the kids come to visit with up. They really enjoy it.” the residents. My goal (is) to Hamel has taken the biweekly engage the library and the kids story time program on the road in different community aspects frequently since her appointment as much as possible.” as youth coordinator in January Hamel led the program on of 2024. She regularly hosts story March 10 with a song and then time programs at the Birdsboro read two books to the children and Community Memorial Center at seniors in attendance - “Singing in Birdsboro’s Main Bird Park and at the Rain” and “Silly Suzy Goose.” the Carousel at Pottstown, where The youngsters then took part in a she is a volunteer. movement and dance activity, and
Attendees enjoy a previous spring celebration banquet held by Tel Hai Camp & Retreat.
Online auction to benefit Volunteer English Program BY FRANCINE FULTON
Participants will be able to bid on items such as Philadelphia Phillies tickets; artwork; gift baskets; and experiences at local theaters, museums and restaurants as part of the second annual virtual silent auction being held by the Volunteer English Program (VEP) in Chester County. Bidding will open at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, April 2, and continue through 6 p.m. on Friday, April 4. Those interested in bidding may find a link to the auction
See Story time pg 5
web s i te at w w w. vol u nte e r english.org and at www.facebook .com/VolunteerEng. “On the auction website you can see the countdown to the day and see a sample of things that already have been posted,” noted Terri Potrako, VEP executive director. In addition to the items a l re a d y m e n t i o n e d , o t h e r features on the auction block include quilts; golf balls, a bag and apparel; a handcrafted crepe paper flower bouquet; antique cups and saucers; a beach house See Online auction pg 5
EXCITING BUS TRIPS AWAIT....
April 7th-12th
• Washington, DC Bible Museum & National Zoo April 21st • Holland Michigan Tulip Festival, Mackinac Island & Henry Ford Museum April 30th-May 6th
Call For A Free 2025 Tour Menu 717-823-2086 or visit/book @ FUNCOUNTRYTOURS.COM
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all attendees got to try their hand at watercolor painting. Among the participants was Michelle Halter of Birdsboro, who attended the program with Haven Halter, her granddaughter. Michelle said that attending story time parlayed into a volunteer opportunity for both of them. “Every Thursday they have an activity time (at Keystone Villa). Haven and I come every other Thursday,” said Michelle. “We do board games with them, and last time, they did balloon volleyball and trivia, where we sat around and answered questions. (Haven) can’t answer questions, obviously, but she dances around and entertains them. Her dad, my son, is involved in the community (as the owner of Halter Materials & Landscape Supply), and he encouraged (me to bring her).” Miss Amber’s Story Time is held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10:15 to 11:15 a.m. The program is designed for children up to age 5, but youngsters of all ages are welcome. No registration is required.