IN THIS ISSUE: YMCA LAUNCHES VIRTUAL PLATFORM page 6
Octorara /townlively
APRIL 15, 2020
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL XXX • NO 11
Ways To Stave Off Cabin Fever By Ann Mead Ash
Since Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf ordered a statewide shutdown on March 16, those who found themselves at home - with or without children - may be struggling to fill the hours in quarantine. Mary Bauer, founder of Lucky Dawg Animal Rescue, based in Chester County, has not hesitated to see the value in the hours. “Take advantage of the quarantine and get some fresh air and exercise with your dog,� said Bauer, who recommended throwing a ball or flying disc or working on basic training techniques. Those without pets to play with also have a variety of options for staving off cabin fever. Time online can be productive for both children and adults, so consider searching the internet for free classes and other educational resources. Podcasts in an area of interest can help
make the hours move more quickly, and online puzzles and games can also help keep the brain engaged. The situation is ideal for families to spend time creating quality experiences and memories. Break out the board games or the playing cards or just engage in an old-fashioned game of charades. Getting outside is also a great option. Yard games such as croquet or badminton are good choices when the weather is fine. A piece of chalk can create a hopscotch game in seconds, and a length of rope can provide hours of jumping activity. Maintaining social distance is easier in the great outdoors, so walking, running, and bicycling are all ways for members of a family to stay active while spending time together in the fresh air. In addition, those with school-age children may want to consider structuring days to keep a routine in See Cabin Fever pg 2
By Francine Fulton
The members of the Troxell family of Mount Joy, including (clockwise from left) Charli, Charlie, and Alli, played four-square together during a recent day off from school. The Troxell children attend Dayspring Christian Academy in Mountville. Families are encouraged to find safe, fun activities to do together while many of their other activities may be on hiatus.
Retreat Center Makes Adjustments Like so many other organizations, Black Rock Retreat, 1345 Kirkwood Pike, Quarryville, has had to adjust its operations. The Christian camp and retreat center has canceled all retreat groups that had been scheduled for the next few weeks.
While churches and other faith communities are currently not open to the public, worship is still thriving thanks to live events that are offered on websites and Facebook pages. In addition to live streaming services, many facilities are also offering Bible studies, daily devotionals and family game nights. “The church is not about a place where you gather - brick and mortar,� said the Rev. Jimmy Smuda, pastor of Trinity Assembly of God (AG) Church in West Chester. “It’s about the connection to one another and ultimately to God.� Trinity AG is currently offering live streaming of its Sunday service as well as online Bible devotions, prayer nights and more. All are invited to participate; See Worshipping Online pg 4
Church Opens Food Pantry
The shutdown has resulted in a loss of income, and executive director Peter Fiorello noted that Black Rock depends upon retreat revenue, summer camper fees, and donations to pay staff members and to maintain operations. “As groups cancel, we have had to trim our staff, which stretches our ability to prepare for summer and the future,� Fiorello said. “We as a team continue to pray for wisdom and seek God’s help during these times. We are diligently planning for summer and how we can best serve our campers and families, if God gives us the opportunity to do so.� In addition to working on ideas, Black Rock has also been involved in practical activities. “In an effort to support our staff through this challenging time, especially for those who have been laid off, such as housekeeping and kitchen staff who only work when we are hosting retreat groups, Fiorello requested that the kitchen staff compile packages of food and See Retreat Center pg 2
Black Rock Retreat kitchen manager Bill Pitcher handed a box of food and supplies to guest services staff member Julia Libby as part of the Christian camp and retreat center’s efforts to support its employees during the shutdown.
By Francine Fulton
Even though Gateway Church in Parkesburg is temporarily closed, the congregation is still serving the community by offering a free food pantry in the church’s vestibule. Free food is available to anyone in need 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The makeshift food pantry includes a shopping cart filled with nonperishable food items and snacks, as well as a freezer, where meats and frozen meals are offered to the public. “ We always had a shopping cart in our vestibule, where we collected food for people,� explained congregation member Christy Rucker. “When the cart got full, we took food over to the food pantry at Sandy Hill (Community Church). We also had food boxes from the Chester County Food Bank and offered gift cards.� When the church closed, Rucker asked church See Food Pantry pg 5
A makeshift food pantry has been set up for people in need at Gateway Church in Parkesburg. People are invited to contribute items or take them as needed.
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By Dayna M. Reidenouer
Worshipping Online