IN THIS ISSUE: YMCA SEEKS FOOD DONATIONS page 3
Octorara /townlively
MAY 13, 2020
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL XXX • NO 15
Bridge Of Hope Continues To Serve
Almost Like Being There PA Family Travel Fair Goes Virtual By Ann Mead Ash
When Wendy Royal, editor of Where & When Pennsylvania and organizer of the third PA Family Travel Fair, realized that the 2020 fair, which was scheduled for April 18, would have to be canceled due to COVID-19 restrictions, she was heartbroken for the more than 50 exhibitors. When she learned that all of them were committed to doing the 2021 event, she wanted to do something to help them. On April 21, Royal finalized plans to take the fair virtual starting during National Travel and Tourism Week, which was held from May 3 to 9. The virtual PA Family Travel Fair launched on May 4 and will continue through Saturday, May 30. The virtual fair can be accessed at www.whereandwhen.com /virtual-pa-family-travel-fair or by See PA Family Travel Fair pg 2
DelGrosso’s Amusement Park and Laguna Splash and the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon will be among the many destinations highlighted during the virtual PA Family Travel Fair, which can be accessed using the QR code found with the article or by visiting www.whereandwhen.com /virtual-pa-family-travel-fair.
By Francine Fulton
Even though the state of Pennsylvania is under a stay-at-home order, Bridge of Hope Chester County remains active in its mission to serve families experiencing or at risk of homelessness. As part of the program, each Bridge of Hope client receives support from a group of six to eight trained, churchbased Neighboring Volunteers. “We are considered an essential business, so we have been working through this from the beginning,” noted Kathy Beiler, director of strategic engagement. “More than ever the families in the program really need Neighboring Volunteers. Neighboring Volunteers make the difference by offering encouragement, connections and resources.” See Bridge Of Hope pg 5
Making Masks For Chester County Parkesburg Swap Box Offers By Francine Fulton
OCC
Combining the power of social media and the dedication of volunteers who are willing to give their time and talents has resulted in the distribution of more than 3,000 homemade masks by the Chester County Masketeers. Margaret Reif, the Chester County
controller, had the idea to form the group, and the effort kicked off in early April. “I was aware of the need for masks for nonmedical essential employees and reached out to Rep. Carolyn Comitta for her help,” Reif explained. “She brought in people that she knew to start a website and Facebook page.” The group then established drop-off locations where sewers could place homemade masks, as well as donations of fabrics. Most of the sites are at located at area police stations. “We now have 12 locations around Chester County, (including) police departments and some private residences,” Reif said. See Masks pg 7
The Chester County Masketeers have donated more than 3,000 masks to Chester County’s nonmedical essential employees as of early May.
Not just in your mailbox...
Books, Games And More By Francine Fulton
Since the stay-at-home order has been in effect for several weeks, many people are searching for activities for their families to enjoy. Sparked by this need, the Parkesburg Parks and Recreation Commission has created a swap box so that area residents can share books, puzzles and games with their neighbors. The box is located at the Parkesburg Borough Hall in the gazebo. Commission member Sarah Dougherty explained that the swap box was inspired by people looking to find books to read. “On Facebook there were a lot of people who were commenting See Swap Box pg 3
Children like Garnet Dougherty can enjoy books, puzzles and games offered in the swap box that was recently established by the Parkesburg Parks and Recreation Commission. The box, which is located in the gazebo at Parkesburg Borough Hall, also contains books for adults and young adults.
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