Columbia/Hellam/Wrightsville JANUARY 7, 2026
SERVING OUR COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
REACHING MORE THAN 6,480 HOMES
VOL LXVI • NO 43
Proves Revisiting Gettysburg’s SALT Friendship Has No Forgotten Fight Age Limit
ONLINE F WINTER EVENT CALENDAR
BY CAT SHANNON
or Cindy Beaston, looking in the rearview mirror matters. And it should matter to all of us, said the Civil War historian. “I think it’s important to learn about as much history as possible so that you can have a better understanding of where we have come from and what mistakes to avoid in the future,” she explained. Beaston will highlight one specific historic event at “An Orchard of Death,” a public program to be held on Thursday, Jan. 15, at 6:30 p.m. at Columbia Public Library, 24 S. Sixth St., Columbia. “The topic that will be discussed will focus on the fighting at the Sherfy Peach Orchard on July 2, 1863, during the second day of fighting at the Battle of Gettysburg, and why it was vital that, despite everything that happened, the Union Army had to stand and hold as much of the ground as possible against Lt. Gen. James Longstreet’s First Corps of the Army of Northern Virginia,” Beaston remarked. “We will look at the key players who fought there, examine the fight to its full extent, the aftermath of the fight and ask the ultimate question, ‘Was it worth it?’” She noted that while many people may be familiar
townlively.com/ events
See Gettysburg pg 3 Cindy Beaston speaks at a history presentation.
C WM
Willow Harvest Will Blend Craft and Conservation
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BY CAT SHANNON
Did you make a New Year ’s resolution to try something new? Or to learn some new words? Or to make a positive impact on the environment? You can do all three of those things when you immerse yourself in agroforestry and try your hand at coppicing at the Horn Farm for Agricultural Education during Winter Willow Workdays. See Harvest pg 2 Participants at a previous Winter Willow Workday
BY CAT SHANNON
Are we ever too old to make new friends? Absolutely not, say the senior citizens who gather on Tuesday mornings for SALT (Seniors Are Living Treasures). The group meets for fun, friendship and fellowship from 9 a.m. to noon weekly at Mount Joy Church of God, 30 E. Main St., Mount Joy. “ We might have anywhere from 25 to 30 people each week,” said Tracy Miller, who coordinates the group with a team of volunteers. “We have people in their 50s and up. Our oldest member is 93.” Each meeting begins with people gathering up to 30 minutes early in the church lobby, enjoying the time to catch up with each other before heading into the chapel for coffee, food and games such as Uno or Apples to Apples. Coordinator Debbie Cohn might lead the group in chair yoga, or coordinator Renee Haney might direct a small group in devotionals or take prayer requests. Coordinator Nancy Shonk is in charge of the snack calendar, ensuring that everyone who wants to bring food has a chance to do so. The group does some activities once a month, such as playing bingo or enjoying a movie together. They also play roundrobin matches of games like cornhole or ladderball, switching tables regularly to encourage interaction among everyone. The group also brings in guest speakers to discuss a wide range of topics. Once a quarter, the See SALT pg 4
Taste the difference!
15 Varieties
OPEN ALL WINTER! Mon.-Sat. 8-6
400 Long Lane at Marticville Road (Rt. 741 & 324) 717-872-9311 www.cherryhillorchards.com
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