Octorara NOVEMBER 1, 2023
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
Run/Walk For Life to feature new course, fun run BY FRANCINE FULTON
hester County Connect Care (CCCC), a nonprofit medical care pregnancy center, will present its annual 5K Run/Walk For Life on Saturday, Nov. 11, rain or shine, at Hibernia County Park in Coatesville. New elements of this year’s event will be a Family Fun Run, a different 5K course and a Pup Station for dogs. Race-day registration will open at 7:45 a.m., and the 5K will begin at 9 a.m., followed by an awards presentation. “There will be first-, second- and third-place medals awarded to the top three male and female finishers for each age group and an overall male and female winner of the 5K,” explained Stacey McNutt, CCCC events coordinator. “At approximately 10 a.m. after the awards ceremony will be the Family Fun Run that is open to people of all ages. Everyone will get a goodie bag. Children age 12 and under will get a medal for finishing.” She noted that youngsters in strollers along with dogs on leashes are welcome to be a part of the fun run, which will be a little less than 1 mile. “We will have a Pup Station, and everyone who brings their dog will get a bandana (for their pet). We will have treats for the dogs and water,” said McNutt.
Bellevue Church observes 200th anniversary BY ANN MEAD ASH
pillars of the church from years past to celebrate the faith community’s 200th anniversary. “When we look for a new pastor, we are looking for ‘Do you believe in the Trinity and the resurrection?’” Margaret’s convictions about the essentials may be traced to her mother, Zelma Martha Zander, who attended Sunday school at Bellevue See Bellevue Church pg 6
Children took part in last year’s Chester County Connect Care 5K Walk/Run For Life. This year, a new Family Fun Run option has been added.
Refreshments will be provided for all participants, and there will be a hot chocolate station. Children’s games will be available free of charge. In addition to the newly added Family Fun Run, 5K participants will follow a new course. “The course was cross-country and in the grass, which was a bit of a deterrent
More than 230 people took part in last year’s 5K.
for some 5Kers,” said McNutt. “This year, it will be on pavement and gravel in the park. (Runners) will start at Pavilion 4, run through the campgrounds and come back and end where they started.” The event will include an opening ceremony. Myriam Ruager, CCCC executive director, will talk about CCCC’s mission and where the funds are going. “Myriam will push an empty stroller to honor the unborn and the babies that have been lost,” said McNutt. “It makes a statement.” Last year, there were more than 230 participants, but McNutt said that this year’s goal is to attract 400 runners and walkers. Church groups and others are being invited to take part in a FUN-Raiser by registering for the event as a team. “The person with the most donations for their team will be recognized and given a prize,” said McNutt.
Members of the congregation of Bellevue Presbyterian Church are looking forward to celebrating the church’s 200th anniversary with a special service.
“Surviving the Holidays” Gateway to present GriefShare seminar BY FRANCINE FULTON
For those who have lost a loved one, Thanksgiving and Christmas can be a difficult time. Especially challenging can be family gatherings where a person’s friend or family member is particularly missed. To help people cope during the weeks surrounding Thanksgiving and Christmas, a Surviving the Holidays seminar will be presented on Tuesday, Nov. 14, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Gateway Church in Parkesburg. The meeting will be led by Paul
See Run/Walk For Life pg 2
and Twila Ranck, who facilitate weekly GriefShare meetings at the church. Participants will discuss several topics, including how to deal with the many emotions they will face during the holidays and what to do about traditions and other changes. They will also be provided with tips about how to navigate social events. “Surviving the Holidays is a stand-alone group. It will focus on the six weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas,” Twila explained. “We will also touch on (handling See GriefShare pg 2
-*&9.3, (441.3,
PRSRT STD ECRWSS U.S. Postage Paid Engle Printing Co
& ).;.8.43 4+ 2&79.3 &551.&3(*
POSTMASTER: PLEASE DELIVER NOV. 1, 2023
Postal Patron
OCC
Solid on the essentials Margaret Allison has been attending Bellevue Presbyterian Church for 80 years. “ We have never compromised the basic essentials of our faith,” said Margaret, who, along with her husband, Paul, has been providing historical information by portraying costumed
C
VOL XXXIII • NO 35
WWW. PDUWLQKHDWLQJFRROLQJ FRP _
R101328 R101 R10 R R1 101 110 001328 3 8 32
townlively.com