Parkesburg residents are invited to participate in the annual Parkesburg Lions Club holiday decorating contest. As part of the tradition, local homeowners are invited to decorate their homes for the holiday season, which will be judged by a panel of judges, as well as community members.
Lions Club members and students from the club-sponsored Octorara Leo Club from Octorara Junior-Senior High School will
drive around to judge the entries on Friday, Dec. 19, after 5:30 p.m.
The judges will decide on the first-, second- and third-place winners.
In addition to the panel of judges, community voting will determine the “Parkesburg Pick.” Those who want to participate in voting for the “Parkesburg Pick” home are asked to send $1 via Venmo to @ParkesburgLionsClub indicating their choice in the note.
Community members are asked to cast their votes between Friday, Nov. 28, and Thursday, Dec. 18.
Scouts Collect Food for OAFC
BY FRANCINE FULTON
Scouting for Food is an annual effort during which Scouts collect nonperishable food items for local food banks and pantries. For the effort, which generally takes place over two consecutive weekends, Scouts distribute informational door hangers on the first weekend and return to collect donated canned and boxed goods on the second weekend. The program is designed to help local families in need while teaching Scouts about community service and leadership.
Locally, Boy Scouts from Parkesburg Troop 135 and boy and girls from Cub Scout Pack 135 took part in the program, collecting food for the Octorara Area Food Cupboard (OAFC). The Scouts placed the door hangers on homes in Parkesburg on Nov. 8 and then collected the food and delivered it to the pantry on Nov. 15.
“We had flyers that we distributed to all the houses in Parkesburg,” explained Scoutmaster Russell Bishop. “It contained all the information (residents) needed so they
Scouts and volunteers from Parkesburg Troop 135 collected food for the Octorara Area Food Cupboard. Photo by Francine Fulton
Church To Host Tree Lighting
Freedom Life Church invites the community to its first Christmas tree lighting on Sunday, Dec. 7, at 6 p.m. at its new location, 789 Gap Newport Pike, Atglen.
The event will feature inflatables for kids in the gymnasium, cookies served throughout the concourse, a hot chocolate bar in the cafe and a holiday photo booth in the auditorium.
There will also be an outdoor Nativity with live animals. At approximately 6:45 p.m., everyone will gather for a time of singing carols around an 18-foot Christmas tree that will tower up to 20 feet on its platform.
For more information, call 610-593-5959.
Decorating Contest
from pg 1
“People should drive around and look at the homes in person. They can vote on whatever house they want,” noted Karen Fronefield, Lions Club president. “There is a way to make a note in Venmo, and they should put the address of the house they are voting for.”
All funds raised through voting will be put toward charities that benefit the visually impaired. “It is like (an alternative) to the White Cane fundraiser. We are trying to do different fundraisers,” Fronefield noted.
Fronefield said that the community voting encourages residents to spend an evening together checking out the holiday lights, which was once a tradition for many families. “It’s more fun to see the houses in person. You can’t get a good impression from a photo,” she stated. “There are houses that you can tell it took a lot of time to decorate. Some people go all out.”
“There is nothing better to get in the holiday spirit than to drive around your community looking at all of the wonderful holiday decorations,” added Lions Club member Robin McKenna. “Parkesburg residents always do a fantastic job in decorating their homes, and it does not go unnoticed.”
There will be prizes for the top three homes, and the winners will be provided with a sign to be displayed in their yard that indicates their winning status. The signs will be collected by the Lions after the holidays.
The Parkesburg Lions Club is always looking for new members. Prospective members are invited to attend a club meeting. Meetings are generally held on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month at 6:30 p.m. at Parkesburg Baptist Church, 103 West St. When meetings are held at different locations, information is posted on the Facebook page.
Upcoming events for the Parkesburg Lions Club in 2026 include a February food drive at Dutch-Way Farm Market; a veterans/soldiers project; Tingo, which is a tea combined with a mini bingo game; and an Easter breakfast.
For more information and to register a home for the holiday decorating contest, visit the “Parkesburg Lions Club - New and Improved” Facebook page. Those with questions may contact Fronefield at 484-678-4231.
would be ready for us to come back.”
Scouting for Food started in 1985 and was initiated by a Scoutmaster in New Jersey. “I think 2012 was the first year that we canvassed the town,” said Bishop of the local participation. “Initially, we did not get a big haul the first couple of years, but it’s gotten larger every year.” He reported that last year the Scouts collected 2,445 pounds of food. This year’s haul weighed 2,294 pounds.
About 20 Scouts from the Parkesburg troops took part in collecting the food, along with adult leaders and family members. “We make sure that we have an adult leader with each group that we send out,” Bishop said. “We meet at Minch Park in the morn-
ing. The park has a nice flag that was put in a couple of years ago by one of our members for his Eagle Scout Project, so we start there. I had maps, and we divide (up the neighborhoods) and go out and cover the area.”
After the Scouts unloaded the nonperishable food items, OAFC director Cherie Myers and OAFC volunteers sorted the items and prepared them for distribution to pantry clients.
Also participating in the effort were Boy Scouts and volunteers from Atglen Troop 20. Pack 20 contributed 1,547 individual items weighing 1,491 pounds.
The OAFC serves all of the Octorara Area School District as well as residents of the Pomeroy, Sadsburyville,
Compass, Wagontown, Doe Run, Gum Tree and Ercildoun areas. Existing clients must complete paperwork - which includes providing proof of residency - every July, and first-time clients can register when they arrive.
The OAFC is always in need of nonperishable food donations. Each month, the OAFC posts a list of needed items on its website, www .octfood.com. For November, the list includes mashed potatoes, canned fruit, boxed pasta, gravy and peanut butter. December’s needs are sauerkraut, hearty soups, soup crackers, canned fruit and canned meat.
Volunteers are also needed to complete a variety of tasks at the OAFC, including receiving and sort-
ing incoming donations, stocking shelves, assisting food pantry clients, packaging and cleaning up. The OAFC is also interested in learning about businesses or organizations that are willing to host a food drive.
For more information, call 610-857-4000 or email oafc424@ gmail.com. More information about the food bank is available at the previously mentioned website or www.facebook.com/ OctoraraAreaFoodCupboard.
The OAFC is located at 714 W. Main St., Parkesburg, next to The Parkesburg POINT Youth Center. Hours of operation are Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. and from 2 to 3:45 p.m.
The Power of Imagination
BY FRANCINE FULTON
Growing up, my family did not have a lot of extra money to spend, so we were very creative when it came to recreation and having fun.
We sought out free events, mostly at our church, and we spent many a Saturday or Sunday afternoon at our local airport watching the planes land and take off. My dad and I would sit on a bench together, and we would use our imaginations to come up with stories about where the passengers were coming from and where they were headed.
A few Sundays a month we also went to a dairy, where there was a huge pond of ducks. We saved up bread and other treats during the week to feed them. Then, we all enjoyed an ice cream cone.
Life was simpler back then without cellphones and tablets. We ate meals together at the kitchen table, and as kids we spent time outdoors after school, only coming home for
dinner. During baseball season, we spent evenings on the back porch listening to Phillies games on my dad’s AM transistor radio where the simple sounds of baseball allowed us to imagine that we were really at the ballpark.
In the summertime, a few of my cousins and I spent afternoons at our grandmom’s house. Again, the days were not spent in front of the TV or computer or playing video games. We had scavenger hunts in the woods, and we rode bicycles and played kickball.
On rainy days, we drew pictures, put puzzles together and played indoor games like Chinese checkers and board games like Monopoly. My grandmother allowed us to set up the Monopoly board in a spare bedroom and we kept it up, playing the same game for weeks at a time.
Once a week, my grandmom gave us enough money to go to the neighborhood store. It was like an old-fashioned general store. There
See Imagination pg 8
ENCOUNTER CHURCH: 300 Hideaway Drive, Quarryville, PA 17566
Sunday Service & Kid's Church held at 8:30 am and 10:45 am. Church e-mail: office@encounterchurchpa.org www.encounterchuchpa.org Church phone: 717-786-2756
FAITH BIBLE CHAPEL: “Ordinary People Serving An Extraordinary God.” Sunday Worship 9:30 a.m. (Children’s Service during Pastor’s Message). Wednesday Prayer Meeting at 6:30 p.m. We are located at 140 Bernard Ave., Cochranville. Pastor Scott Althouse 610-593-6333 fbchapel@zoominternet.net
GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH: Dedicated to the serious preaching & teaching of God’s Word. Traditional hymns & praise songs accompanied by guitar. Sunday Service 10:40am. 53 Hurley Rd, Parkesburg, PA 19365. 610-593-7123. www. gracecommunitychurch-parkesburg.com for messages, ministries and directions
HIGHLAND BAPTIST CHURCH: 1 EAST HIGHLAND RD., PARKESBURG PA 19365 610-857-1670 www.highland-bc.org
Sunday Services: Sunday School for all ages 9:30 am, Morning Service 10:45 am (nursery is available), Prayer Service 4 pm Wednesday Youth programs 6:30-8:00 pm. Thursday Ladies Bible Study 10:00 am
IMPACT CHURCH: IMPACTING lives with the Hope of Jesus Christ. Sunday Gatherings at 9 am & 10:30 am. 101 East 1st Ave., Parkesburg. Pastor Mike Bailey. 610-857-3887. Visit us online at WWW.IMPACTPA.CHURCH
LITTLE BRITAIN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
255 Little Britain Church Rd., Peach Bottom (between 222 and 272). Sunday School Classes all ages 9:15 a.m. Worship Service 10:30 a.m. Youth Groups for Elementary, Jr. High and Sr. High, Choir, Bell Choir, Small Groups. Rev. Thomas Milligan, 717-548-2266. Web site: www.littlebritainchurch.org E-mail: lbpc1732@gmail.com
MANOR PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA)
“Come find spiritual life in Christ for your family.” Cochranville: Rte. 926, halfway between Rte. 41 & Rte. 10. Rev. Daniel Henderson, Pastor. Sunday School for all ages at 9:30 am. Fellowship & Refreshments from 10:15-10:35 am. Worship with classes for infantsPre-K at 10:45 am Kidsworship for K5th is held during the sermon time. Youth Group for 6th-12th grades twice a month at 6:30 pm 610-869-2402. www.manorpresbyterian.com
MAPLE GROVE MENNONITE CHURCH: 549 Swan Rd., Atglen. 610-593-6658, Lead Pastor: Mike Clemmer, Music Minister: Matt Chambers. Sunday School 9am, Sunday Worship 10am, Children’s Church, Nursery. Youth Group Wed., 7pm. Christian Preschool. Visit us online at: www.maplegrovemc.com
MIDDLE OCTORARA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH: 1199 Valley Road Quarryville. Sunday Services: Sunday School 9 AM; Blended Worship 10:30 AM. 717-786-3402 Visit us online at www.middleoctorara.org
MT. VERNON CHRISTIAN CHURCH: Growing Deeper, Reaching Farther. 1 Lighthouse Dr, Kirkwood. Pastor Tony Murrin. Sunday School- all ages 9am, Worship 10:00am. Handicap Access. Phone: 717-529-4102. Visit us online at mtvernonchristianchurch.com
PARKESBURG BAPTIST CHURCH: 103 West St., Parkesburg; 610-857-9135 Sunday service 10:30 AM Rev. Dr. Mark Stauffer pbc103west@gmail.com
PARKESBURG WORD OF FAITH CHURCH
Sunday Service 10 am & Wednesday prayer at 7:30 pm - at 501 Lenover Rd., Parkesburg, PA 19365. Call 610-593-2277 www.parkesburgwordoffaith.org
ST. CHRISTOPHER’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH
Where everyone can find a place to belong! 116 Lancaster Pike, Oxford. Sunday Holy Communion Services at 8:00 & 10:00 AM; 10:00 AM also live-streamed. When people warmly welcome you, you will know you have found a church home where you can come just as you are. The Episcopal Church is Catholic in the way we worship and Protestant in the way we think. You’ll find beautiful music, good preaching, and an inclusive community in which to worship God. YOU BELONG HERE! Check out St. Christopher’s website, YouTube, or Facebook for updates and links. Rev. Dr. Mary Ann Mertz rector@stchrisoxford.org 610-932-8134 www.stchrisoxford.org
UPPER OCTORARA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (EPC): 1121 Octorara Trail (on Rt. 10 a mile south of Rt. 30), Parkesburg. Christ-centered, Handicapped accessible. Sunday School all ages 9:30 am (Sept-May). Sunday Worship (Blended style) 10:30 am. Youth Group & a variety of adult groups. Dana J. Smith, Pastor. (610)857-5787 www.uopc-epc.org Find us on Facebook. Christian Preschool: (610)857-0236
Please Note: Updates can be made to your church’s listing for 1st issue date of each month only. (Changes must be submitted by the previous Wednesday.) For More Information On Church Listings And Rates, Call Justin at 717-492-2533
Community Calendar
Nov. 26. Narcotics Anonymous IMPACT Church
101 E. First Ave., Parkesburg, 5 p.m.
Nov. 26. Bible Study
Parkesburg Mennonite Church
44 E. Second Ave., Parkesburg, 10 to 11 a.m. This is the final program in the fall Bible study. The topic will be “Bearing With Each Other’s Differences.” Coffee and pastries will be provided.
Nov. 29 and 30. Ten Thousand Villages Gift Shop
Oxford Presbyterian Church
6 Pine St., Oxford. The shop will be open on Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 14 from 10 a.m. to noon, as well as on Friday, Dec. 5, from 5 to 8 p.m. Items offered for sale will include handmade jewelry, seasonal decorations, ornaments and pottery. Author Iris Dowling will be on hand with copies of her new book, “Echoing Memories #2,” on Dec. 5. Call the church at 610932-9640 for more information.
Nov. 30. Community Tree Decorating
Presented by the Parkesburg Action Committee
Main Street and Strasburg Road, Parkesburg, 1 p.m. The tree will be located across from Rocco & Anna’s Ristorante Italiano. www.facebook.com/PAC19365
Dec. 1. Monday Music Parkesburg Free Library
105 West St., Parkesburg, 10:30 a.m. Children age 5 and under are invited to sing, dance and play simple instruments. Preregistration is preferred. Register at https://ccls.libcal .com/event/14878922. Those with questions may call 610-857-5165.
Dec. 2. Tuesday Shift Atglen Public Library 121 Main St., Atglen, 3 p.m. Youths ages 11 to 15 will be able to explore their interests, such as mechanics and robotics, playing games and writing. Register at www.AtglenPublicLibrary.org or by calling the library at 610-593-6848.
Dec. 6. Book and Bake Sale Parkesburg Free Library, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Donations of adult fiction and children’s books and baked goods for the sale are being accepted. Book donations can be dropped off during regular business hours. To sign up to donate baked goods, stop at the circulation desk at the library, call 610-857-5165 or send the library a Facebook message.
The Community Calendar is a weekly feature of the Community Courier. Submit your meeting or event for consideration in writing at least two weeks prior to the event. Email submissions to ffulton@engleonline .com. For more information, call 800800-1833, ext. 6018.
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SINGING SPRING FOODS
Imagination
were a few grocery staples, like milk and bread, along with and giant freezers filled with quarts of ice cream and individual ice cream treats like twin-pops; ice cream sandwiches; and those amazing push-up pops, which were tubes filled with ice cream with a stick that you could push up from the bottom.
The best part of the place, however, was the giant counter where customers could drink beverages, including hot coffee and tea, soft drinks and homemade lemonade, while sitting on tall bar stools. The best drink offered there was a cherry cola, which came straight from the soda fountain, not out of a bottle or can. It was singularly the best drink I have ever had in my life. Maybe it tasted better because we could sit at the counter and pretend we were grown-ups and drink our colas out of our tall glasses with red and white striped straws.
I’m not sure Grace, the proprietor,
was a big fan of us kids sitting on those stools, but she was a good friend of my grandmother, so she kept an eye on us during our visits.
The only time she scolded us was when we would spin in our chairs. Growing up, we found that imagination made life more fun. We created our own experiences; we conjured up our own adventures and made our own fun.
Our favorite “toy” at home was a button jar. We would spill out the buttons on the kitchen table, and my and mother and I would play with them, organizing them by color or type. As I grew older and my ability to be more imaginative increased, we used the buttons to create scenes and we formed images with them, like rainbows.
Unbelievably, I found a button jar recently while shopping at one of the ReUzit shops. I don’t have any real use for all those buttons, but I keep it on a shelf above my desk to remind me that creativity
and imagination should continue to be a part of my life and to not get bogged down by today’s technology.
I also recently had the opportunity to visit some cousins in my hometown. I stopped at the airport and the bench where I sat with my dad was still there, and there were still small planes coming in and taking off, but the bench was empty.
The general store was still there as well, but it is a coffee shop now, offering pastries and muffins instead of groceries. The freezers were removed so that sofas and gathering areas could be put in place. But in the midst of it all, the long counter remained. There are no longer cherry colas served there, but the counter offers customers a place to talk, perhaps to reminisce, all while enjoying their coffees. And for those looking to re-create a special moment from their childhood, they could still spin in their chairs.
