Solanco Students Excel in Drone Challenge
BY GEORGE DEIBEL
Some Solanco High School pupils are flying high after earning awards in the Student Drone Challenge. Robert Baxter finished first overall. Lucas Vilk was second among high school students, and Caleb Reed placed third in the high school contest. All three earned cash awards.
Participants were tasked with being a drone pilot for a reconnaissance team conducting a realistic mission identifying potential radiological threats, the entrant form said.
Students had to put together a 45-minute virtual presentation between March 20 and 26, 2025. Two of the goals were to learn how the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) might respond to a radiological threat and learn about the uses of UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) and the basics
Video Highlights History of Church
BY GEORGE DEIBEL
Bill and Joyce Russell have completed an arduous and compelling task.
The couple produced a 40-minute video detailing the nearly 300-year history of Middle Octorara Presbyterian Church.
The church, located at 1199 Valley Road, Quarryville, isn’t waiting until the last minute to plan an anniversary celebration. The house of worship formed a committee on May 14, 2024, and will commemorate its tricentennial in 2027 with the theme “Foundation for the Future Through a History of Faith.”
MobilePack Hopes to Reach New Goal
BY GEORGE DEIBEL
The need is immense; therefore, the goal is ambitious.
You can help fulfill the lofty objective.
The 11th Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) MobilePack will be held Friday, March 20, through Sunday, March 22, at Willow Street Mennonite Church, 399 E. Penn Grant Road, Willow Street.
Packing shifts will be held Friday, March 20 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.,1:30 to 3:30 p.m., and 4 to 6 p.m., Saturday, March 21, from 9 to 11 a.m., noon to 2 p.m., 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., and 5 to 7 p.m. and Sunday, March 22, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., and 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. “Some shift times are more popular than others and fill quickly,” said Lora Mangus Wenger, who is the FMSC Lancaster County MobilePack chairperson. Every individual who signs up for a packing shift is asked to contribute a minimum of $63.
“This covers the cost of one box of packed meals (216 meals), which is the average amount a single volunteer packs in a twohour period,” Mangus Wenger said. “Basically, we encourage everyone to donate as they’re able. Whether a person can contribute 29 cents or $290, we welcome you to participate.”
Registrations will be taken starting Friday, Feb. 6, and will be accepted up until the day people participate. Go to https:// tinyurl.com/2vezzzj9 to sign up. If it is your first time to register for a FMSC event, you will need to set up a username and password to register as an individual or for
See MobilePack pg 4
Solanco seniors Lucas Vilk (left) and Robert Baxter show the commendations they received from Rep. Lloyd Smucker. Photo by George Deibel
Barry Girvin (left), Bill Russell (middle), and Debbie Hoover
Niehaus (SRES)
717.929.8562 M: 717.725.1326 krismniehaus@gmail.com kris-niehaus.theortegagroupllc.com
Drone Challenge
of how to conduct UAV operations.
“Weeks beforehand, they sent this link out and you can practice,” Lucas said. “You can practice however many times you want and feel how the game works, because it’s mostly a game. You spawn in with a drone, and you have to go around a map looking for tanks and you have to find different tanks with radiation on them. You know it has radiation when you have a little scale top left of your screen, and if it spikes, that means you’re close to radiation. If not, you just got to keep on searching.”
Lucas added, “There was a little bit of math involved. It wasn’t as simple as just going around flying. You had to see how high (radiation levels had) spiked. You had to do a little bit of calculations, like averages and medians, simple stuff like that.”
Robert compared the challenge to a video game. He scored a competi -
tion-best 99.97%. “I was like, ‘Wow,’” Robert said. “I thought I was doing good, but I didn’t know I did that good, that I would get first place. I thought there’d be other people that got 100%. I thought if I could get that close, then someone must have gotten 100%, but I guess they didn’t.”
Lucas was ecstatic to learn he and his friends had been successful. “I was more happy for Robert being No. 1, but I was pretty excited too,” he said. “Robert helped me a lot with mine too. He did a lot and he gave me tips to help with it. We had a technique that we had to do every run. We did it so much that we found the right way to do it. We had a strategy for each time we did it through practice.”
The competition was sponsored by the DTRA and Penn State University’s Interaction of Ionizing Radiation with Matter (IIRM).
“This competition was a unique experience,”
4-H Clubs Set Meetings
The Rough Riders 4-H Horse and Pony Club will hold an in-person reorganizational meeting on Thursday, Feb. 5, at the Refton Brethren in Christ Church, 110 Church St., Refton.
Children ages 5 to 7 as of Jan. 1 will follow a Cloverbud curriculum.
Solanco High School business teacher Josh Fleming said. “I am incredibly thankful to Penn State and the Defense Threat Reduction Agency for giving high school students exposure to the kind of cutting-edge technology that will play a major role in our national security down the road.”
Robert was grateful for assistance from his teacher.
“Mr. Fleming gave us an idea of what to expect and how to work through it,” he said. “Then we just did trial and error on our own, figuring out what worked best.”
The competition could help them in the future.
Lucas plans to attend Frederick Community College and study cybersecurity before moving on to a fouryear school. “I guess (the competition) has a little bit to do with cybersecurity,” he said. “We were doing it from a computer, but imagine what the military’s doing. They could probably do it from a computer too. So cyber attacks could
happen with drones, and in the future, I might need to stop that.”
Robert will study computer engineering at York College of Pennsylvania. “(The contest) kind of relates because you can engineer the computers that go in the drones, but we didn’t do anything like that in the competition,” he said.
The students received a commendation from congressman Lloyd Smucker that was entered into the Congressional Record.
“I am so proud of my students for absolutely grinding,” said Fleming. “I introduced the challenge, registered them, and gave basic instructions. Literally everything else was student-driven. They achieved a near-perfect score, and their effort was incredible. The positive community response, including recognition by Rep. Smucker, really justified the energy the students invested. I can’t wait for the next competition.”
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The meeting will start at 6:30 p.m. and is intended for prospective new members and returning members ages 8 to 18 as of Jan. 1 of the current year. The club recommends that parents of first-time members attend this meeting.
Club meetings will be held on the first Thursday of each month from February through December at 6:30 p.m. A variety of activities and community service projects will be offered throughout the year.
For more information, including details on accommodations for people with disabilities, contact Jen
Landis at roughriders horseclub@gmail.com.
The Raise the Bar 4-H Horse Club will hold its reorganizational meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 10, at Millstone Stables, 555 Reifsnyder Road, Lititz, at 6:30 p.m. Attendees will discuss plans for the year, receive enrollment information, have opportunities to ask questions, and participate in icebreaker activities. Youths must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
4-H horse clubs provide educational opportunities but do not provide horses or riding lessons. Youths do not have to own a horse to join the club. All 4-H programs are available to all youths ages 8 to 18 before
Jan. 1 of the current year. Future club meetings will be held on the second Tuesday of each month, excluding July and January. There is an enrollment fee per member. The club hosts guest speakers from the equine industry and offers hands-on clinics with horses, field trips, and community service projects.
For more information, including details on accommodations for people with disabilities, contact Laura Snavely at millstone stables18@gmail.com.
For more information on either 4-H program, contact Lori Little, Extension educator, at the Penn State Extension Lancaster office at 717-394-6851 or LancasterExt@psu.edu.
Women Invited to Wellness Event
In observance of February as American Heart Month, “Women, Wine and Wellness” will be presented at Britain Hill Venue & Vineyard, 790 Little Britain Road North, Quarryville, on Wednesday, Feb. 11,
from 6 to 9 p.m.
Dr. Danielle Miller from Luz Medicine, event sponsor, will join Dr. Diane Boomsma and Carla Beam to lead a discussion exploring how women’s
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Church Sets Community Meal
All are invited to a free community meal at Middle Octorara Presbyterian Church, 1199 Valley Road, Quarryville, on Saturday, Feb. 7, at 4 p.m.
The menu will include baked potatoes, chili, rolls, salad, iced tea, coffee, water, and desserts.
A freewill offering will be accepted. For more information, contact the church at 717-786-3402.
MobilePack
your group. Go to https:// www.fmsc.org/# and click “Log In.” Once you set up an account, click on “Volunteer,” then reserve the number of spots you will need for your group.
“I would encourage everyone to try it at least once because I think they will be pleasantly surprised at the impact that it has on them to be able to volunteer, as well as the idea that the food that they are packing, the next people who will touch it are those in need,” Mangus Wenger said. “You’re really making a very direct, positive contribution to someone’s life.”
FMSC accepts volunteers as young as 5 years old. “One of (FMSC’s) taglines is ‘all ages and all abilities,’” said Mangus Wenger. “We have opportunities for people who need to sit. We can find a job for pretty much anyone of any ability.”
For more information, email Mangus Wenger at lmw4fmsc@gmail .com or call the church at 717-464-2422.
“The food through this organization is distributed around the world to those most in need,” said Mangus Wenger. “Feed My Starving Children, since 1987, has distributed more than 4 billion
meals to more than 100 countries.”
Last year, the locally packaged food was sent to Malawi, the Dominican Republic, and Peru. “It is so important to me because, unfortunately, there’s an ongoing, huge need,” said Mangus Wenger. “It’s not that there’s not enough food in the world, but it’s not distributed in an even manner to everyone around the world, so there’s still a lot of people in the world who are malnourished or underfed.”
A pediatrician, Mangus Wenger is especially aware of the impact on the younger members of the world’s population.
“Specifically, as far as children are concerned, it’s so vital that they get good nutrition during the first two to five years of their life, because that’s when their brain is developing
a lot,” she said. “It has a very long-term effect if they don’t get adequate nutrition at a young age.” Everyone who attends is also asked to bring a nonperishable food item that will be donated to the Lancaster Food Hub. “We also are concerned about local food insecurity,” said Mangus Wenger. “As a community, this is a great opportunity to help meet this need both locally and globally.”
Volunteers packed 400,000 meals last year. “Because the need is so great, this year we’re making a goal of packing 500,000 meals with the help of 2,000 volunteers from the community and raising $147,000 to cover the cost of the meals we are packing,” said Mangus Wenger. “Every person and penny is needed to help us reach our goal.”
SECA to Serve Ice Cream for Breakfast
The Southern End Community Association (SECA) will hold its annual Ice Cream for Breakfast event on Saturday, Feb. 7, from 8 to 11 a.m. at the SECA Building, 299 Park Ave., Quarryville.
The breakfast will include
a waffle, a scoop of ice cream, and a variety of toppings. Children under the age of 12 who attend in their pajamas will receive a ticket for a giveaway with a variety of prizes.
There is a fee per person. All proceeds will support
SECA’s ongoing community initiatives, helping fund programs that are designed to strengthen families, youth engagement, and neighborhood well-being. For more information, call the SECA office at 717-806-0123.
Lora Mangus Wenger is the Lancaster County chair of MobilePack. Photo by George Deibel
Volunteers work at a previous MobilePack event.
Volunteers prepare labels during a MobilePack.
Children’s Shop Opens in Strasburg
A new children’s shop, Bicycle Pie, officially opened at 17 W. Main St., Strasburg. The new shop offers toys, books, clothing, and gifts for children from newborns through age 10.
The shop is owned by Kathryn Peck, a mother of four and longtime small-business owner. Bicycle Pie is Peck’s second children’s boutique. Her first shop, Mockingbird, was based in Boston, where she built a community of families before selling the store to a customer when she and her husband decided to move back to Lancaster County, where they both grew up.
Bicycle Pie, located in a former antique shop, features exposed brick walls, aged wood floors and original details that aim to give the store a warm, welcoming feeling.
Peck hopes Bicycle Pie will grow into more than just a place to shop. Plans include children’s story
times, in-store events and seasonal gatherings designed to bring local families together and
make the shop a familiar stop in town. For more information, visit www.bicyclepie.com.
Extension Sets Webinar on Horses
Penn State Extension will offer a webinar, “Winter Wise: Managing Horses in Cold Weather,” on Wednesday, Feb. 11, from noon to 1 p.m.
The session is designed for horse owners, trainers, and enthusiasts; barn managers; and those looking to prepare their horses for the challenges of winter. It will explore equine thermoregulation, highlighting how horses naturally produce and retain body heat, and address key management considerations for horses living on pasture during the colder months.
The webinar will offer strategies to help horse
owners and caretakers keep their animals healthy, comfortable, and performing at their best throughout the winter season. Participants will learn about shelter needs, appropriate nutrition, safe exercise practices in low temperatures, and how to recognize when conditions may be too harsh.
The webinar is free, but registration is required by the start of the session. A link to the recorded webinar will be emailed to registrants within 10 business days after the live event. Participants can access the recording for six months from the event date.
For more information
and to register, visit https://extension.psu .edu/winter-wise-managing -horses-in-cold-weather.
Kathryn Peck
LBC Posts Open House
Lancaster Bible College (LBC), 901 Eden Road, Lancaster, will host an open house for prospective high school students and their families from 8:45 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 20. The free event will include tours of the campus, interactions with faculty members and current students, lunch in Olewine Dining Commons, the opportunity to experience a chapel gathering, visits to classrooms and athlet-
ics facilities, and more. Students and families can also ask questions about topics such as LBC’s commitment to biblical integration in every program; Division III Chargers sports teams; short-term and semester study-abroad programs; and student access to the Counseling & Care Center, academic mentoring, writing support, and accessibility services.
To reserve a spot, visit www.lbc.edu/openhouse.
Phillips Museum Hosts New Exhibitions
The Phillips Museum of Art at Franklin & Marshall College reopened on Jan. 20 for the spring semester with an exhibition showcasing one artist’s perspective on the natural world and a collaborative display by 12 artists who use collage and assemblage to express concerns of contemporary society.
“Lorien Suárez-Kanerva: Visionary Geometries” explores the intersection of geometry and nature. Drawing inspiration from
the vibrant colors of her childhood in Venezuela and the intricate designs found in botanical structures, mineral formations, and other organisms, Suárez-Kanerva’s compositions balance dynamic, free-flowing forms with an underlying sense of order. Fractals, spirals, and tessellations emerge throughout her work, echoing universal patterns found in the natural world.
“COLLECTive Concerns: Collage and Assemblage” features 12 artists’ exploration
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of collage and assemblage as a coping mechanism, siren call, or cautionary warning for contemporary issues impacting the culture. The pieces range from collages of 1950s housewives fused with machines - crafted from vintage advertising materials - to 3D paintings built from pollutants and natural elements.
Pennsylvania German objects from the Phillips Museum’s collection are also on view as part of the ongoing exhibition “Ingrained: Celebrating Pennsylvania’s
Cultural Heritage.” The museum’s spring exhibitions are available for the public to view through Thursday, April 23. The museum is open from noon to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays, except during the college’s spring break from Friday, March 13, to Sunday, March 22. Admission is free. The Phillips Museum of Art is located in Steinman College Center at 628 College Ave., Lancaster. For more information, visit www.fandm .edu/phillips-museum.
hormones, stress and lifestyle influence heart health across every stage of life with a focus on education, empowerment and individualized care.
Attendees will be able to connect with other women in the community and explore wellness vendors and fun experience
stations. There will also be an opportunity to win gift baskets.
Registration includes one complimentary beverage. To register, visit www.britain hillvenueandvineyard.com and select “Events Calendar.” A link to register is also available at www.facebook .com/britainhillvv/events.
Art featured in the spring exhibition shows will include geometric designs inspired by patterns in nature.
ASCENSION LUTHERAN CHURCH: 600 E. Penn Grant Rd., (Mailing: P.O. Box 635, Willow Street, 17584) 717-464-5683 Pastor: The Rev. Maureen L. Seifried Worship w/Holy Communion: Saturday Eve. 6 pm & Sunday 9:30 am. Livestreaming Visit: www.ascensionws.org
BETHEL CHURCH: 3716 Main Street, Conestoga. Sunday worship at 10:15 AM. Pastor: Jake Farnham. For more info, call 717-872-6755.
CHESTNUT LEVEL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 1068 Chestnut Level Rd., Quarryville, PA 17566 Ph: 717-548-2763. Visit us online at www.chestnutlevel.org Rev. John Hartman - Senior/Lead Pastor.
Join us for worship at either our 8:00 AM or 10:30 AM services held in the church sanctuary. Adult/Youth Sunday School is held at 9:15 AM. K.I.D.S.Own Worship is held in the Family Life Center during the 10:30 AM worship service. The 10:30 AM service is also live streamed via Zoom, CLPC Facebook and YouTube. Links can be found on the church’s website.
COLEMANVILLE UM CHURCH: 210 Colemanville Church Rd., Conestoga. Sunday Worship 8:40 AM, Sunday School 10:15 AM. 717-872-7951 Pastor: Manuel Cruz www.colemanvilleumc.org
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
GRACE BAPTIST CHURCH OF MILLERSVILLE
*NEW Location & Service Time* Now located at 242 Bender Rd., Millersville Sunday Worship at 10am. Phone: 717-8724581 www.findgracehere.org
KIRKWOOD MENNONITE CHURCH: 1923 Noble Rd, Kirkwood, PA 17536. Join us Sundays at 9:00 am. For more information call Pastor Dave Sweigart 717-333-3979.
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
MEMORIAL CHURCH- 101 S. Hess St., Quarryville. quarryville.church 717-7862941. Sunday Morning Worship Schedule: 8:30 Traditional, 10:30 Contemporary, Fellowship time from 9:40-10:20 am Livestream: quarryville.online.church Here you are accepted as you are and challenged to become more like Jesus.
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. EDEN EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH: 1241 May Post Office Rd., Quarryville, (5 mi. South of Strasburg, 3 mi. North of 372). Rev. Margaret Rohnacher, Pastor. Sunday worship service 9:30 am. Limited handicap accessibility. 717-786-7565 mtedenlutheranchurch@gmail.com
MT. NEBO UNITED METHODIST CHURCH: 673 Martic Heights Dr., Pequea. Pastor Chandler Evans. Office 717-284-4331. E-mail: secretary@mtneboumc.org. Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m., Sunday School 9 a.m. www.mtneboumc.org Mt. Nebo Preschool - 717-284-4331.
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 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
PROVIDENCE CHURCH: 269 Cinder Road, New Providence. 717-786-5580. Family Worship Services at 9:00 & 10:45 AM led by Pastor Dwight Lefever. Handicapped Access. Visit us online at www.provchurch.net for more information and church updates. Livestreamed services during both worship hours.
REFTON BIC CHURCH: 110 Church St., Refton, Scott MacFeat, Jr. Lead, Pastor. Sunday Worship 10-11:15 am. We offer LIVESTREAM services via YouTube, search “Refton Church”. Clothing Room: 2nd & 4th Wednesdays, 6:307:30pm. Rental Space available. Visit reftonchurch.org for more info. 717806-5812.
SMITHVILLE CHURCH OF GOD: 595 Pennsy Rd., New Providence. 717-786-1879. A Family Friendly Church. Sunday Worship Service 10 a.m.
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
THE WAKEFIELD VINEYARD: 2292 Robert Fulton Hwy., Peach Bottom. Senior Pastors Mark & Pam Couch Join us on Sundays @ 10:15 AM For more info, call 717-955-0173.
UNION PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH: 5637 Street Rd., Kirkwood, PA, off Rt. 472 between Quarryville & Oxford. (717) 529-2000. Blended Worship at 10 am.; Sunday School 9 am.; Nursery provided. Email: upc@epix.net, Web site: www.unionpres.com, handicap access.
UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CHURCH OF LANCASTER: We have been a liberal religious community in the county for more than 123 years. Our services start at 10 AM, and everyone is welcome to join us for Coffee Hour afterward. 538 W. Chestnut St., Lancaster, PA 17603 717-393-1733 | admin@uuclonline.org
WILLOW STREET UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST: 2723 Willow Street Pk., Willow Street. Pastor: Rev. Dr. Zachary C. Wooten. For more information: 717464-3462 or office@wsucc.com
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
The Merchandiser/EPC is a great inclusive publication. They are a great asset to GEARS! We appreciate all they do for us. We love Cat! She does a wonderful job reaching out with questions and makes it so easy for our busy recreation office!
– Erin Thomas, Greater Elizabethtown Area Recreation & Community Services (GEARS)
Trust to Host Winter Ballroom Soirée Church Plans Community Meal
The Trust Performing Arts Center will host its first Winter Ballroom Soirée on Saturday, Feb. 7, at 7 p.m. at The Trust, 37 N. Market St., Lancaster. The event will provide a blend of sophistication and fun for both experienced dancers and those stepping onto the ballroom floor for the first time.
Hosted by City Ballroom owner Rebecca Gentry, the Winter Ballroom Soirée will offer guided instruction to help guests feel more confident on the floor, along with opportunities to connect, celebrate, and dance. Both solo dancers and partners are welcome.
Gentry, a Lancaster-based teacher, mentor, and professionally trained ballet and ballroom dancer, dabbles in a variety of dance styles. She began teaching ballroom more than 20 years ago and has been on staff at both the Arthur Murray and Fred Astaire franchised dance studios. She has competed nationally in Professional American Style Smooth and was a finalist in both the Rising Star and Open Professional categories.
In addition to teaching ballroom dance, Gentry guest-teaches ballet, pointe, tap, and jazz in studios across Lancaster County
and in Philadelphia. She has performed locally with the Grant Street Dance Company, UpFront Theatre Company, and Prima Theatre and has choreographed for UpFront and Prima, as well as the Lancaster Shakespeare Theatre, Servant Stage, and the Ephrata Performing Arts Center. Gentry is the resident choreographer in the Columbia Borough and Manheim Central high school theater departments and for an annual Lancaster-based production of “The Rocky Horror Show.”
To purchase tickets, visit www.lancastertrust.com or www.lbc.edu/events.
Joseph’s Table at Ascension Lutheran Church, 600 E. Penn Grant Road, Willow Street, will offer a takeout meal to members of the community on Thursday, Feb. 19. Meals may be picked up from 5:30 to 6 p.m. There is no charge. In the case of inclement weather, the church will follow Lampeter-Strasburg School District’s decision; if the schools close or dismiss early, there will be no community meal.
The Russells’ film is the first step. “What we tried to do with each era was to show world events that were happening at that particular time when these things were going on within the church,” Bill said. “It certainly was very interesting in doing research.” He and Joyce went through several boxes of photos, documents and newspaper clippings to start an enormous undertaking that took nine months to finish. “That’s what took a lot of the time because we had to rely on the church to decide which photos to use, because there was an enormous amount of photos,” said Bill.
Bill also took photographs of his own to add to the video. “I was out (at the church) a couple mornings, 5 o’clock before the sun came up, and I took some sunrise photos over the cemetery,” he said. “Then we also went to the oldest stone in the cemetery, and we cleaned that off, rubbed flour on it to get the wording to come out, and then we photographed that. We were up on top of the newer cemetery and photographed that and got pictures of Rev. (William Glasgow) Cairnes’ stone and Rev. (George H.) Shea’s stone for the video production.”
The concept was simple. “The whole goal was to reflect how the Lord had worked in the church here over all these years,” Bill
said. “At the old cemetery out here, it was fascinating to read some of the dates on that date back to Revolutionary War days. I found that was it was just a wonderful blessing to go through this Presbyterian history because we also are part of another Presbyterian Church in Quarryville, so the Presbyterian history is very important to us. It’s fascinating to see how the early days of this country was formed.”
Working off a script written by committee co-chair Barry Girvin, the Russells divided the video into three segments of the church’s history - early days, glory days, and “The Church as a More Secular Society.”
Middle Octorara was one of several Presbyterian churches founded on the Pennsylvania frontier in the 1700s and was constructed on property purchased from William Penn’s grandsons, Girvin said.
Girvin added, “The glory days are the glory days because at that time the church was still a center of community. Everybody went to church. All the social activities were related to the church, and we had two outstanding ministers during that time, Rev. Cairnes and Rev. Shea, who were as about as different as day and night in terms of their personalities, the rather
modest Rev. Cairnes, and the outgoing Rev. Shea.”
Shea served as pastor at Middle Octorara for 50 years and oversaw a period of tremendous church growth, Girvin noted.
“Another thing that I was really impressed with going through the history is how this church reacted during the times of World War I and World War II,” Bill said. “People would form committees in here and type letters up for the servicemen and send them off, which was very commendable.”
Churches and other organizations wishing to view the video and hear a brief presentation by Girvin can call 717-4718668 or email jbgseg60@ comcast.net.
“I hope it will be a way of stimulating history for the churches, not just our church, but to realize that our church was one of the many Presbyterian churches on the frontier at the time,” Girvin said.
UDSF Announces Annual Gala
The United Disabilities Services Foundation (UDSF) will hold its annual gala on Thursday, April 30, from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square, 25 S. Queen St., Lancaster.
The 2025 gala raised nearly $650,000, which provided crucial support for the organization’s mission of providing personal care and support services to older adults and people with disabilities.
John Kruk, a three-time MLB All-Star and former Philadelphia Phillies first baseman and outfielder, will be the keynote speaker. As part of an exclusive Extra Innings After-Party, Kruk will
participate in a fireside chat-style interview conducted by Eagles insider Dave Spadaro following the gala. The extra event will include photo opportunities with Kruk, an open bar, and light refreshments.
UDSF will sell giveaway drawing tickets for the Extra Innings After-Party through Tuesday, March 31, or until sold out; 10 winners will have the opportunity to attend the event with Kruk. Giveaway drawing tickets may be purchased at the UDSF corporate office, 2270 Erin Court, Lancaster, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays or at https://udservices
Committee co-chair Debbie Hoover stated that the church has plans for a plethora of events in 2027. One activity will take place in 2026 to coincide with the celebration of the country’s semiquincentennial: Middle Octorara will honor veterans on Sunday, May 24.
A cookbook, an oral history project, a cemetery refurbishment, a Colonial meal, and an update on the church women’s history since 2002 are slated for the following year. The church will also discuss its history during each service in 2027.
.org/gala26.
Winners will be chosen at random from the drawing, which will be livestreamed on Wednesday, April 1, on the “United Disabilities Services Foundation” Facebook page.
At the gala, attendees will enjoy a cocktail reception with passed hors d’oeuvres followed by a full-course dinner with an open bar. There will also be bidding opportunities on exclusive live and silent auction items.
For more information, visit https://udservices .org, email development@ udsfoundation.org, or call 717-682-5575.
Bill Russell put photos he took into the video he made detailing the church’s history.
CLASSIFIEDS
HELP WANTED General
BB’S GROCERY OUTLET HIRING: PT VAN DRIVERS
Hours Vary. Please Call Austin at 717-786-3210 for more info.
CAREGIVERS NEEDED: CNA'S, HHA's & care assistants, make a difference in the life of a senior & put your caregiving experience to work. All shifts available. Visiting Angels at 717-393-3450.
EXP. FT/PT DRIVERS
Straight truck drivers, Class C non-CDL. Retirees also welcome. Punctual Services Inc. 717-252-0487
HIRING PT OFFICE
in QUARRYVILLE, 2 days/wk., & every other Sat. Flexible hours, looking for dependable, motivated, attention to detail, service oriented person, training provided. Email resume to thattagplace@gmail.com
Small family Owned Septic Co. based in Southern Lancaster County looking for FULL-TIME PORTABLE RESTROOM ROUTE DRIVER
No experience necessary, will train. Flexible schedule. Paid vacation, holidays, health insurance, matching retirement. 717-284-0303 or smexcavating@aol.com
PT DRIVER WANTED for seasonal job. Experience preferred. Driving truck & trailer. Quarryville or surrounding areas. 717-283-8322
PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIED AD ONLINE AT TOWNLIVELY.COM
YOUR ATTENTION
BECOME A PUBLISHED Author. We want to Read Your Book! Dorrance PublishingTrusted by Authors Since 1920. Book manuscript submissions currently being reviewed. Comprehensive Services: Consultation, Production, Promotion and Distribution. Call for your Free Author’s Guide 1-866-482-1576 or visit dorranceinfo.com/macnet.
INFLATION IS AT 40 year highs. Interest rates are way up. Credit Cards. Medical Bills. Car Loans. Do you have $10k or more in debt? Call NATIONAL DEBT RELIEF and find out how to pay off your debt for significantly less than what you owe! FREE quote: 1-866-272-0492
LOOKING FOR DRIVER to bring workers to/from Cochranville morning & evening and occasional in between work. Good job for retirees or someone looking for extra work. 717-951-0169
REPLACE YOUR ROOF with the best looking and longest lasting material - steel from Erie Metal Roofs! Three styles and multiple colors available. Guaranteed to last a lifetime! Limited Time Offer - up to 50% off installation + Additional 10% off install (for military, health workers & 1st responders.) Call Erie Metal Roofs: 1-855-338-4807
WANT MORE CUSTOMERS? Get your ad in front of 1.2 million local readers for just $100 a week in publications like this. One ad. Six states + D.C.. Countless new customers. Contact info@macpa.net or call Alyse at 1-484-269-6367.
ELDER CARE
ASSISTANCE FOR ELDERLY, caregivers provide hygiene assistance, meals, light housework in your home. Insured, Bonded, RN owned & operated. Call Visiting Angels, 717-393-3450.
FOR SALE
Collectibles
BUYING TOYS & COLLECTIBLES www.DNRCollectibles.com
PA’s Largest Buyer of Toys & Collectibles 27 E Lancaster Street, Red Lion, PA Hours: M-W 8am-4pm, Th.-F by appt. 717-329-8167 • rhoward1771@gmail.com
Toys Vintage or Modern, New or Used, Hess Trucks, Barbies, Diecast, Hot Wheels & Matchbox, Action Figures, Models, Trains, Sports Cards/Memorabilia, Movie/Music Memorabilia, Video Games & much more!
Lawn & Garden
FREE REMOVAL of Riding Mowers. Call/text Jim 717-940-9029
PINE SHAVINGS, RAILROAD TIES, Fence Posts/Fence Supplies. Large/Small Quantities. Call For Prices. Holtwood Supply, 717-284-0883.
Pets
2 POMERANIAN PUPS, 1 black/ white, 1 blue merle, UTD vet check, ready now! $650. Columbia 717-285-7445
AKC DOBERMAN PUPPIES Black. 3 females. Ready 1/31. Raised w/children. 410-937-8035
MAREMMANO/ROUGH COLLIE PUPPIES, mother on site, 11 wks. old, $100 ea. 717-201-6114 lv. msg.
MINI AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD PUPPIES, 2 blue merle $800 ea., 3 black tri $600 ea., UTD vet checked. 717-768-7925
MINI POODLE MIX PUPPIES, UTD vet checked. $450. 484-452-4563
FASNACHT DAY - FEB. 16 & 17, Deep Fried Fasnachts made w/Potatoes. Orders Appreciated 717-786-5005
NATIONAL
CONSUMER CELLULAR - same reliable, nationwide coverage as large carriers. No long-term contract or hidden fees, free activation. All plans unlimited talk & text, starting at just $20/mo. 1-877-751-0866.
DENTAL INSURANCE FROM Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. 400+ procedures. Real dental insurance - not a discount plan. Free info kit! 1-855-526-1060 www.dental50plus.com/ads#6258
DIRECTV STREAM - Carries the most local MLB Games! Choice Pkg $89.99/mo. for 12 mos. Stream on 20 devices. HBO Max included for 3 mos. w/Choice Package or higher. No contract or hidden fees! Restrictions apply. IVS 1-866-859-0405.
DON'T LET THE stairs limit your mobility! Discover the solution for anyone who struggles on the stairs, is concerned about a fall or wants to regain access to their entire home. AmeriGlide 1-833-399-3595.
DONATE YOUR CAR to Veterans Today! Help and Support our Veterans. Fast - FREE pick up. 100% tax deductible. Call 1-800245-0398.
HOME BREAK-INS TAKE less than 60 seconds. Don’t wait! Protect your family, home, assets now for as little as 70¢/day! 1-833-890-1262.
INFLATION AT 40-YEAR highs. Interest rates are up. Credit cards. medical bills. car loans. Have $10k+ in debt? Call National Debt Relief and find out how to pay off your debt for much less than you owe! Free quote: Call 1-844-955-4930.
JACUZZI BATH REMODEL can install a new, custom bath or shower in as little as 1-day. Limited time, waiving all installation costs! Additional terms apply. Subject to change & vary by dealer. Ends Soon. 1-844-501-3208.
MOBILEHELP AMERICA'S PREMIER mobile medical alert system. Home or away. For safety & peace of mind. No long term contracts, free brochure! 1-888-489-3936.
NATIONAL
NO CLEANING GUTTERS guaranteed! LeafFilter - most advanced gutter protection, backed by a no-clog garantee & lifetime warranty. 1-833-610-1936 schedule free inspection & estimate. Get 75% off install & $250 bonus discount! Limited time. Restrictions apply, see rep for warranty & details.
PEACE OF MIND & early detection - Now more than ever, it’s important to screen for Stroke & Cardiovascular Disease risk. Life Line Screening is simple & painless. Call: 1-833-970-4172.
PEST CONTROL: PROTECT your home from pests safely. Roaches, Bed Bugs, Rodents, Termite, Spiders & more. Locally owned & affordable. For service or inspection today! 1-833-860-0657. Have zip code ready!
PORTABLE OXYGEN CONCENTRATOR may be covered by Medicare! Reclaim independence & mobility w/ the compact design & long-lasting battery. Inogen One free info kit! Call 1-877-305-1535
PREPARE FOR POWER outages todayGenerac Home Standby Generator. Receive free 5-Yr. warranty w/qualifying purchase. 1-855-948-6176 to schedule free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move.
PROFESSIONAL LAWN SERVICE: Fertilization, weed control, seeding, aeration & mosquito control. Free quote. Ask about first application special! 1-833-860-0811
REACH MILLIONS OF homes nationwide with one easy, affordable buy in the ADS Network! For more info: www.communitypublishers.com/category/all-products
REPLACE YOUR ROOF w/the best looking & longest lasting material steel from Erie Metal Roofs! 3 styles/multiple colors available. Guaranteed to last a lifetime! Limited time offer up to 50% off install + additional 10% off install military, health & 1st responders. 1-833-370-1234.
NATIONAL
TOP DOLLAR PAID for old vintage guitars! Gibson, Fender, Martin, Gretsch, Rickenbacker, Epiphone, Etc. 1930s to 1980s. Call 1-866-433-8277
WATER DAMAGE CLEANUP & restoration. A small amount of water can lead to major damage in your home. Our trusted professionals do repairs to protect your family & home value! 1-833-887-0117. Have zip code ready!
WE BUY HOUSES for cash as-is! No repairs or fuss. Any condition. Easy 3-step process: Call, get cash offer, get paid. Get your fair cash offer today. Liz Buys Houses: 1-844-877-5833.
WESLEY FINANCIAL GROUP, LLC timeshare cancellation experts. Over $50 million timeshare debt/fees cancelled in 2019. Free info package. Free consultations. Over 450 positive reviews. 1-833-308-1971.
PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIED AD ONLINE AT TOWNLIVELY.COM
SEASONAL
COAL/WOOD/PELLET STOVES & Inserts, New & Refurbished. Over 300 models in stock. $100-$800 & up. Buy/Sell/Trade. Call 717-577-6640
FIREWOOD: Mixed seasoned & Cherry (great for campfire, smoking/cooking). Delivery available. 610-857-2169 x1
SEASONED HARDWOOD FIREWOOD for sale 717-327-0913
LOST & FOUND
FOUND AN ITEM? Place a FREE 15 word ad in your local issue to locate the owner of your found item. 1-800-428-4211
READ YOUR AD THE FIRST WEEK IT APPEARS
This publication will not be responsible for more than one incorrect insertion of any advertisement.
SERVICES RENDERED
A PLUS SERVICE
SPINELLO HOME IMPROVEMENTS
Roof & siding repair, painting, kitchen & bath remodeling, decks, no job too odd or too small, references, insured. PA031727. Call Mike Spinello, 717-464-5466
ANDY’S DRYWALL
Interior Remodeling, Hanging, Finishing, Framing, Painting, Basements, Additions, Insured. PA 022669. 717-587-4102
CLOCK REPAIR - TRAGER 717-786-7053
COMPLETE PROPERTY MAINTENANCE LANDSCAPING DESIGN INSTALLATION/MAINTENANCE FLUID FILM • FIREWOOD Mulching • Tree/Shrub Planting/Trimming Stump Grinding • Seeding • Excavation FREE ESTIMATES • FULLY INSURED Rosslawnservice.com 717-468-3632
DECKS & PORCHES
SUNROOMS • SCREENED ROOMS • ETC. 22 Years Exp. � 717-687-0899
DO YOU KNOW what’s in your water? Leaf
Home Water Solutions offers FREE water testing and whole home water treatment systems that can be installed in as little as one day. 15% off your entire purchase. Plus 10% senior & military discounts. Restrictions apply. Schedule your FREE test today. Call 1-866-996-1526
DRYWALL REPAIRS, Painting & Carpentry. Call Ed 484-639-1613
GOT MOLD! FREE Consultation. Services are Mold Inspections, testing and cleaning. Call Country Boy Restoration 717-739-5542
HANDYMAN : Painting. Winter Clean up/snow. Odd jobs. Gutters/Guards. Decks. Siding. Roofing. Mailboxes 717-826-3680
HAULING, JUNK REMOVAL. Bsmts, sheds, garages cleaned out. Tree brush. Odd jobs. We also move people. Free est. Visa/MC/ Disc/AmEx. 717-456-6051; 410-688-7569 CRASS HAULING
JACUZZI BATH REMODEL can install a new, custom bath or shower in as little as one day. For a limited time, waiving ALL installation costs! Additional terms apply. Subject to change and vary by dealer. (Offer ends 12/27/26).Call 1-844-826-2535
JUNK REMOVAL
Basements, garages, attics. Appls. ($20). Five Star Property Service, 717-278-1030
MIKE’S JUNK REMOVAL YOU NAME IT, WE DO IT! MJR LLC | Millersville 717-672-6483
NO MORE CLEANING out gutters. Guaranteed! LeafFilter is backed by a no-clog guarantee and lifetime transferrable warranty. Call today 1-855-791-1626 to schedule a FREE inspection and no obligation estimate. Get 15% off your entire order. Plus, Military & Seniors get a additional 10% off. Limited time only. Restrictions apply, see representative for warranty and offer details.
PAINTING BY MR. NEIL
Residential Specialist. Int. & Ext. Also PLASTERING, Wallpaper Removal, & Custom Staining, 717-871-0110.
SAFE STEP NORTH America’s #1 Walk-In Tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-the-line installation and service. Now featuring our FREE shower package and $1,600 off for a limited time! Call today! Financing available. Call Safe Step: 1-833-356-1954.
Trimming/Planting. Small Tree & Shrub Removal. Soil Prep & Seeding. Neglected Overgrowth Cleanup. Fast, Professional Service. Senior Discounts! FREE ESTIMATES! Licensed/Insured : 717-208-2265 SPRING CLEANUP
MULCHING
PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIED AD ONLINE AT TOWNLIVELY.COM
ITEMS WANTED
A BUYER SEEKS Old Books, Postcards, Photos, COSTUME JEWELRY, Pottery, Antiques, Complete Estates. Call Cara at 610-918-2528 or 484-356-3123
ALWAYS BUYING
Classic, Muscle & Sports Cars Jeff Gast, 717-575-4561
BUYING CLASSIC CARS, TRUCKS, SUVs **American and Foreign** Any Condition. Buying entire car collections. $$PAYING CA$H$$ Please call 717-5778206 KRMiller1965@yahoo.com
CORVETTES WANTED 1953 thru 2019 Jeff Gast, 717-575-4561
DONATE YOUR CAR, truck, boat, RV and more to support our veterans! Schedule a FAST, FREE vehicle pickup and receive a top tax deduction! Call Veteran Car Donations at 1-877-327-0686 today!
GET A BREAK on your taxes! Donate your car, truck, or SUV to assist the blind and visually impaired. Arrange a swift, no-cost vehicle pickup and secure a generous tax credit for 2025. Call Heritage for the Blind Today at 1-844-320-2804 today!
PINBALL MACHINES WANTED. Any condition, working or not. Call Matt: 717-538-9485, thanks.
WANTED! MOTORCYCLES & MINI BIKES! ANTIQUE AND CLASSIC. Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha, Triumph, BSA, and other foreign models. $$PAYING CA$H$$ 717-577-8206 KRMiller1965@yahoo.com
