Columbia/Hellam/Wrightsville
townlively.com
AUGUST 16, 2023
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL LXIV • NO 25
A champion for the community Chili for Charity Cook-Off will benefit food bank
BY CATHY MOLITORIS
BY CATHY MOLITORIS
on Robbins is passionate about providing opportunities for recreation in York. The board chair of the Eastern York Recreation Authority (EYRA) was recently recognized for his efforts when he won the Community Champion Award from the Pennsylvania Recreation & Park Society, a statewide organization that facilitates parks and recreation programs throughout Pennsylvania.
R
Things will heat up inside Switchboard Studios & Gallery in Columbia when Columbia’s Movers and Shakers Society hosts the second annual Chili for Charity Cook-Off. The event will be held on Saturday, Sept. 16, from noon to 4 p.m. at the studio, 40 N. Third St., Columbia, on
the second floor. Professional and amateur cooks are invited to enter their chili for a chance to win one of four categories - most spicy, most unique, most traditional and best overall. Each category winner will receive a handcrafted trophy created by artists at Switchboard Studios & Gallery. Event attendees will vote on the See Chili pg 2
“I was shocked, surprised and grateful when I found out I won,” Robbins said, “but that’s not what keeps me going. I don’t do it for recognition. I do it for the kids, my own children and everybody else’s children. I want them to have a place for recreation in our community.” Robbins, who, with his wife, Michelle, has six children who range in age from 10 to 27, has been volunteering with community recreation programs for almost 30 years. He used to volunteer with Hellam Recreation, and when he ended up being the only active volunteer left, he looked into forming EYRA to keep recreation opportunities alive in Eastern York. Robbins used a state-driven grant to hire a parks and recreation director, Jessica Cirilo, who helps maintain consistency in an organization run by volunteers. “Most people move on from volunteering after their children leave the program,” Robbins said. “I wanted someone who, even if I stepped out of the program, would still be there to see these programs continue. That was my biggest goal.” EYRA offers a variety of recreational programs for youths in the region, including baseball, softball and soccer programs, with youth See Champion pg 2
Roseanne LaVia (left) and Angie Becker offered samples of chili and cornbread at last year’s Chili for Charity Cook-Off.
Hellam Recreation Carnival will feature family fun BY CATHY MOLITORIS
It’s small-town fun, but it packs a big punch when it comes to entertainment. The Hellam Recreation Carnival will be held in the baseball fields off West Beaver Street in Hallam Borough. It will run from 6 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 23, and Thursday, Aug. 24, and from 5 to 10 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 25, and Saturday, Aug. 26. The carnival will feature live entertainment, rides, games and food, including both returning
vendors and new ones, said Luke Kokiko, fundraising chair. On Wednesday, local church groups will perform. On Thursday, Grant Bryan will entertain. Friday’s entertainment will be Hometown Strangers, and the carnival will wrap up with a performance by Country Express on Saturday. Friday evening will feature a car show presented by Porky’s Place BBQ & Catering, beginning at 6 p.m. There is an entry fee per car, and the first 50 cars will receive a dash plaque. Trophies will be
Ron Robbins several years ago with his youngest child, Keegan
See Carnival pg 4
Cropts l l pl a n
• Ready Picked • Pick-Your-Own Blackberries *Call for Pick-Your-Own info & hours to pick
400 Long Lane At Marticville Road (Rts. 741 & 324S) 3 Miles S. of Lancaster
• V •F
Our Peaches PRSRT STD ECRWSS U.S. Postage Paid Engle Printing Co
POSTMASTER: PLEASE DELIVER AUG. 16, 2023
Postal Patron
CWM
“I really just want to provide opportunities to kids.”
Mon.-Sat. 8-6, Closed Sunday • 717-872-9311 1
a table
eg
e
R098841
www.cherryhillorchards.com www cherryhillorchhards com