Octorara townlively.com
JANUARY 26, 2022
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL XXXI • NO 48
Jennersville YMCA Names New Executive Director BY FRANCINE FULTON
“I walked in the door during an exciting time. I’m thrilled to be here,” said Melanie Weiler, who joined the YMCA of Greater Brandywine team in November 2021 as the executive director of the Jennersville YMCA. “2022 is going to a big year for us. We are renovating the facility, building our staff and expanding services.”
Board members of the Octorara Covenanter Presbyterian Foundation include (from left) Jonathan Welch, Donna McCool, Donald Henderson, John Girvin and Dan and Boni Henry.
Burns Night To Celebrate All Things Scottish BY FRANCINE FULTON
urns Night, an evening to recognize the birthday of Scottish poet Robert Burns, will take place on Saturday, Feb. 5, at Historic Beale Manor in Parkesburg. The Octorara Covenanter Presbyterian Foundation will host the event. Burns was the national poet of Scotland, and wrote lyrics and songs in both Scots and English. OCC
Piper Thompson McConnell (left photo) and harpist Kendrah Absher (right photo) will perform on Burns Night.
beef, oatmeal and seasonings. “They call it the pluck of the sheep; it’s the heart, liver and lungs,” explained Donna McCool, foundation treasurer. “Robert Burns wrote a poem (called) ‘Address to a Haggis’ and January is his birthday month so it became a big celebration this time of year. Some people will try (the haggis) because they are (at the event); some people enjoy it.” In addition to the haggis, the homemade supper will include smoked salmon; cock-a-leekie soup, which consist of leeks and peppered chicken broth; neeps and tatties, which is mashed potatoes and turnips; salad; shortbread; and trifle, a layered dessert. Harpist Kendrah Absher will perform during social time and during the supper. After supper, guests will be invited to honor the life of Burns with speeches, readings and toasts. Local musician Charlie Zahm will present “A Tribute to Robert Burns.” Guests will be invited to gather around the piano to sing Burns’ songs, including the classic “Auld Lang Syne,” which will conclude the evening.
After being closed for a number of years, Limeville Christian Preschool, a ministry of Limeville United Methodist Church in Gap, will once again offer classes for children ages 3 to 5. To reintroduce the preschool to the community, an open house event
See Burns Night pg 2
See Open House pg 2
Melanie Weiler is the executive director of the Jennersville YMCA.
Limeville Christian Preschool To Hold Open House BY FRANCINE FULTON
See Jennersville YMCA pg 8
INSIDE THIS ISSUE Golf Outing To Aid United Way . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Community Calendar . . . .3 Good News! . . . . . . . . . . .4 Business Directory . . . . . .5 House Of Worship . . . . . . .5 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . .6
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He is best known for writing the words to “Auld Lang Syne,” which has become associated with New Year’s Eve. Burns Night will begin at 5:30 p.m. with a social time featuring piper Thompson McConnell and a welcome by the host. A traditional haggis ceremony will follow, ending with a toast of scotch. Haggis, a traditional Scottish dish, is a type of savory pudding that is made from sheep mixed with
Weiler began her career with the YMCA in 1993, serving in several leadership roles throughout the organization, including the Y in the Philadelphia area. “After I left the Philadelphia association, I spent my time between the Kennett branch and the Jennersville branch (before) the theater and the large wellness center (were built in Jennersville). My kids came here for camp and swim lessons and my kids grew up at this branch.” She also worked with other nonprofits throughout Chester County, most notably in the areas of poverty alleviation, food insecurity and homelessness prevention programs. She was the executive director of Kennett Area Community Service from 2013 until 2019 and then served as director of programs and operations and strategic planning at the Chester County Food Bank. “I had heard that there was opening (at the Jennersville YMCA),” she said. “I wanted to get back into the Y system and was waiting for the right opportunity.”
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