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Where Young Men Find New Beginnings

BY CAT SHANNON

Within the walls of Manos House in Columbia, a new generation is finding its footing. At the nonprofit residential program for young men ages 14 to 20 with drug and alcohol histories, transformation happens every day through structure, compassion and a belief in second chances.

“We focus on a holistic approach,” said executive director Chris Runkle. “We serve their needs from the substance use side, but we also serve their educational and emotional health needs as well.”

Manos House has been guiding young men through that challenge since 1972. Originally founded as a halfway house for adults

transitioning out of prison, the organization shifted its focus to adolescents, offering substance use treatment, counseling and education under one roof.

The education piece was especially needed, Runkle said. “Our kids are coming in highly deficient in academic credits,” he explained. “We may get an

BY CAT SHANNON

On a sand court tucked beside a riverside cabin in Columbia, laughter carries as easily as the volleyballs. For 40 years, a tightknit crew known as River Rules Volleyball has gathered here every Wednesday night to dive, bump and banter their way through another round of competition and camaraderie.

What began in 1985 as a few friends from a local social club has

BY CAT SHANNON

For veterans in Columbia, the number 11 holds special meaning. Shortly after the end of World War I, a group of Columbia businessmen got together to mark the armistice agreement that ended the war. It was signed at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11, 1918, the 11th day of the 11th month. From that initial meeting, the 11-11-11 Club has held a ceremony every year but two that were skipped during the pandemic. This year’s 11-11-11 Club dinner and ceremony will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 11, at 11 a.m. at the Red Rose Memorial VFW Post 2435, Fourth and Manor streets, Columbia.

This year’s speaker will be retired U.S. Navy E6 William Terry.

“He is a 21-year retired U.S. naval medical deep-sea diver,” said Kevin Kraft, who will serve as master of ceremonies for the event. Terry served during the Vietnam War era, beginning in 1970, right out of high school. He’s active in veterans events and organizations in the community, including the Navy Club Ship 166, a group that is open to any seagoing military personnel who would like to participate in community parades and promote patriotism.

The 11-11-11 Club event will include a turkey and filling dinner, and the event is open to everyone, said Kraft.

“We have a lot of veterans who come every year, and a lot of the general public comes, too,” he shared, noting that the ceremony will begin promptly at 11 a.m. with a ringing of a bell 11 times, followed by taps and a firing squad.

Protecting Lancaster’s Land for Generations

BY CAT SHANNON

What’s the value of dirt?

For the Lancaster County Conservation District, it’s priceless.

The organization formed in 1950 with a mission of empowering farmers to maintain and improve the rich, productive soil of Lancaster County through conservation practices. Today, as the group marks its 75th anniversary, it has expanded its focus to include four more departments beyond agriculture, touching the lives of every -

one who calls the county home.

“Coming out of the time period of the Dust Bowl, in the late 1920s and ‘30s, there was a national movement to create conservation districts across the country,” said Sallie Gregory, Lancaster County Conservation District education and operations coordinator. What began as a local resource for farmers in Lancaster’s Southern End to encourage sustainable practices soon grew into wide outreach, promoting conservation practices that

included the proper ways and times to plow and constructing fences to keep cows from polluting streams.

“In 1950, the county commissioners approved having a conservation district the whole way across Lancaster County,” Gregory said.

The county’s conservation district, which is the largest in the state, now includes departments focused on erosion and sedimentation, watersheds, data and analysis and education.

“The erosion and sedimentation department works with people in development, such as landowners, construction companies or engineers, on any project larger than an acre,” Gregory said, noting that the office reviews work plans to determine how the soil will be maintained prior to construction, during the work and afterward.

The watershed department encourages landowners to maintain their properties to promote water health.

Camaraderie

complete with its own set of quirky rules, seasonal marathons and plenty of good-natured chaos. The group plays from early April through September and hosts two daylong marathons to celebrate the solstices.

“We will play anytime, regardless of the weather conditions,” said original member Matthew Berntheizel. “When we started this group, we wanted to play in every season.”

At first glance, their games look like your average sand volleyball match, with teams of three, four or five racing to 15 points. But a closer look reveals the spirit of River Rules: unpredictable, a little rowdy and a lot of fun.

“We don’t call carries,” Berntheizel said, referring to a typically illegal move in the sport where a player holds, catches or lifts the ball for too long. “If you can touch the ball, you can hit it.”

recent game.

Players come from all over Lancaster County, including the Columbia, Hempfield and Manheim areas, and the guys are devoted to their group. Berntheizel hasn’t missed a Wednesday in 11 years.

Families often come down to the court to watch the games, share food, listen to music and spend quality time together.

John Nikolaus now plays alongside his son, Jack, who joined as a teenager about 15 years ago.

“I grew up with my dad playing volleyball every Wednesday, and I thought it was cool,” Jack said. “I love the camaraderie, the competition. It’s a great setting with great friends.”

Each week begins with a coin toss. Heads means you’re “up river.” Tails sends you “down river.”

2010, the players showed up in matching vinyl Elvis costumes, complete with wigs and sunglasses.

“That was something I just came up with on a whim. I saw these cheap Elvis costumes, one size fits all. They were vinyl, and it was the hottest day of the summer,” Berntheizel said, laughing. “I thought someone was going to fall over and die from the heat.”

When the group first started playing at the cabin, there wasn’t even a sand court on the site. They played on industrial fill, often coming home with bloody elbows and knees.

But they kept showing up, week after week, year after year.

He calls it “full-contact volleyball,” and he’s not exaggerating. Players often crash into each other at the net, sand flying as they scramble for the next point. The overhanging trees even play a role.

“It’s completely random every week,” said Jack, describing how the teams are determined. “We just split it up depending on how many people show up that week.”

Other original members - Dave “Dunk” Dancause, Joe Schauren and David Kazmerski - remain a core part of the crew. David’s wife, Devera, has been on the sidelines cheering him on since they were high school sweethearts.

“It’s just something fun that the guys like to do,” she said of the weekly tradition. “It’s an opportunity to socialize, get some exercise and have fun together.”

“We all live in a watershed,” Gregory said, adding that our actions could impact the watershed right outside our door or the wider Chesapeake Bay watershed. “This department focuses on ways people can maintain and protect the watershed. Maybe you have a no-mow zone in your yard to encourage pollinators, or you plant native plants to support wildlife.”

For the data and analysis department, the goal is to tell the story of the efforts of the district and share the results with the public so people can understand the work and see the benefits of conservation, she said.

“In the education department, our role is to talk with residents about conservation practices and provide support for teachers and students working with state standards,” she explained, noting that one such effort is the countywide

“If the ball touches a leaf, it’s out of play,” Berntheizel explained. “We say, ‘If it touches a leaf, you “leaf” it alone.’”

Six of the original members of the group still play regularly. The oldest, Dan Platt, is 71 years old.

“Look how young this keeps me,” he joked at a

On long summer evenings, the group can squeeze in up to eight games before dusk. During solstice parties, they play all day long, and it’s practically tradition for someone to end up cooling off in the river at any game’s conclusion.

Over the years, River Rules Volleyball has become a showcase for both athleticism and humor. For the group’s 25th anniversary in

For the men of River Rules, it’s about more than serves and spikes; it’s about friendship, fitness and the kind of laughter that only comes from decades of shared memories.

“It’s great exercise,” said John Nikolaus. “You can’t beat this workout. I come for the exercise, the camaraderie and the beer.”

18-year-old who has zero high school credits.”

To remedy the issue, Manos House opened Prospect Grove High School, an on-site school with certified teachers and a small student-to-teacher ratio.

Although the school helped with one piece of the problem, the young men needed support in another area as well.

“We were seeing the young men being discharged after completing their program, but then we realized the homes they were going to weren’t supportive,” Runkle said. “There might be addiction in the home, or they might be going back to a peer group and social network that’s not good for their recovery efforts.”

To address the issue, Manos House opened a supervised independent living program, providing inpatient residential care as the men transition out of high school.

Manos House originated in downtown Lancaster, but even after one move in the city, it outgrew the space.

Today, the Manos House campus spans 14 acres and includes residential housing, classrooms, therapy spaces and an independent living program. It can accommodate up to 43 young men in the program, with an additional 18 beds in independent living. Students come to Manos House from across the state and into Maryland.

Days are highly structured. Each morning begins with a 6 a.m. wake-up call, followed by breakfast in the cafeteria and high school classes until noon. After a family-style cafeteria lunch, students spend time in therapy sessions focused on their specific needs.

“We are a strong proponent of not telling you what you need to do,” Runkle commented. “We would much rather come alongside you and say, ‘You’re here. You probably don’t want to be here, but what are some things you want to work on? Can we build a treatment plan around you being successful?’”

After school and on the weekends, residents may

participate in activities ranging from more therapy to recreational time to play basketball or enjoy the on-site rec room. Evening programming during the week focuses on partnerships Manos House has developed with community groups. Students might participate in writing circles led by a retired Hempfield English teacher. Columbia Christian Fellowship, which leases space on the property for church services, offers Cell 13, a faithbased Wednesday night program. The guys also work with Lancaster Art Room, which is located on the property; complete service projects with their neighbors at St. Anne’s Retirement Community; and meet weekly with Mennonite families that come in for Bible studies, games and socializing.

The young men also enjoy community outings to football games or corn mazes before lights out at 8:30 p.m. during the week.

Manos House operates as a 501(c)(3), and the program relies on insurance, grants and community donations, including support from Lancaster’s ExtraGive, happening on Friday, Nov. 21. In a typical year, Manos House might see a deficit of $100,000 that’s unfunded by any of its revenue streams, but families are never billed for services.

The on-site school also operates year-round but only receives state funding for a typical 180day school year. Since students come to Manos House all year long, it’s important for them to be able to jump right into school even if they arrive in July, Runkle said. Finding funding for teachers, staff and other expenses during that time is an ongoing challenge.

“We don’t turn individuals away,” Runkle said, “but we need support for those cases where there’s no insurance or where we have extra funding needs.”

Students may spend just a few months or up to a year at Manos House, with some transitioning to the resident program beyond that. But every young man who walks

COLUMBIA PARK RANGERS

through the doors has the same opportunity to transform his life, Runkle said.

“We’re planting seeds here,” he shared. “We’re setting them up with what they need to be successful in life, and we’re doing that alongside them. Facing addiction as a 14- to 20-year-old is difficult. Addiction at any age is difficult. But we’re telling a teenager, ‘Everything that’s ever worked for you is nearsighted and doesn’t serve you in the long run. Everything that has provided you comfort in the past, we need you to give that up.’ Naturally, they struggle with that. But every day, we work on those struggles with care and compassion.”

To learn more about Manos House, visit https://manoshouse.com.

would like to thank the following businesses, and community partners for their support of the Columbia Downtown Stars and Stripes Flag Project 2025-26

• Chickies Rock Moose #307

• Columbia Fraternal Association

• Columbia Lions Club

• Columbia-Middletown BPOE #1074

• Columbia American Legion Post 372

• Columbia Re-Uzit Shop

• Columbia Masonic Lodge #286

• Columbia Presbyterian Dream Center

• Columbia Water Co.

• Foresters of America

• Geltz Gotz Goodeze LLC

• Hambones CBFD Social Club

• Kindred Collections

• Nikolaus & Hohenadel LLP

• Seibert Real Estate Group

• State Rep. Brett R. Miller

• Stovers Newsagency

• Sunsnappers

• Total Exterminating Services

• Wrightsville Social Club

Flags are flown on Locust St. and Third St. on 12 holidays & events each year.

Enjoy Our

Christmas Open House

• Thursday, Nov. 13 (9-6)

• Friday, Nov. 14 (9-6)

• Saturday, Nov. 15 (9-5)

SANTA HERE Sat., Dec. 13 10-2

• Home Décor: Pictures, Candles, Wreaths & Other Decorative Items

• Primitive Handmade Santas, Trees, Snowmen, Mice & More!

• Jewelry • Handmade Goat Milk Lotion

• Super Stocking Stuffers for all the special people on your list!

3590 Blue Rock Rd., Lancaster • (717) 871-6149 (just west of Millersville, on Rte. 999) Reg. Hours: Wed.-Fri. 9-6, Sat. 9-5 thru “End of Season” Dec. 20

EVE’S GARDEN

GREENHOUSE & GIFT SHOP

Shop. Learn. Explore.

Church Plans Soup and Sandwich Sale, Craft Show

St. Luke Lutheran Church, 2666 Furnace Road, Felton, will host a soup and sandwich sale and a craft show on Saturday, Nov. 15. Soup and sandwich orders may be picked up during the craft show, which will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Soup will be sold by the quart, with chicken corn and ham and bean variet-

ies available. Pretzel sandwiches from Sue’s Market will also be sold; people may choose between ham with Swiss cheese and turkey with provolone cheese.

Soup and sandwich orders must be placed before Friday, Nov. 7, by calling Jean at 717880-0392 or Sylvia at 717-244-7144.

Mental Health Ministry Sets Workshop

The Columbia Catholic Mental Health Ministry will present a “PTSD & Veterans” educational workshop on Wednesday, Nov. 12, at 7 p.m. in the social hall at St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church, 121 S. Second St., Columbia.

The presenter will be Dennis Morgan, a retired Army private first class.

He will discuss how veterans can be affected with mental illness and post-traumatic stress disorder and share ways to support veterans. Morgan served as an acting drill corporal at Fort Benning and was a combat engineer overseas during Vietnam. He currently volunteers with veterans.

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organizations in the state, including the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, the Pennsylvania Game Commission and Lancaster Conservancy.

Funding for conservation district work comes from state and federal sources, as well as grants and donations. The organization will also participate in the ExtraGive on Friday, Nov. 21, to support its 501(c)(3) Conservation Foundation of Lancaster County.

The employees of the conservation district, as well as the group’s nine-member all-volunteer board, want people to understand the value of the district’s work, as well as the impact we all have on our environment.

“A person might drive through Lancaster County and see plastic tubes sticking up next to a creek and wonder what’s going on there,” Gregory said. “We want to tell the story that those are protecting seedlings and that in 10 years, you’re going to see a forest buffer next to that stream, which will protect the stream.”

Projects like that one will take years to complete, but

the district also has shorter-term initiatives.

“Our watershed department is working to put in-stream monitoring devices into more and more streams, so they see and chart on a daily basis what’s happening in the water,” she said, noting that these devices provide much quicker updates than a traditional stream sample that might be taken every six to eight months. “We

COLUMBIA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH: 360 Locust St. in Columbia, Rev. David C. Powers, phone: 717-684-6271, Sunday Morning Worship 10am. Handicap accessible. 4th Street Cafe Coffeehouse 1st & last Sunday @5pm with community meal. Free Clothing Bank Mondays 9-11am & Tuesdays 5-7pm.

COMMUNITY BIBLE CHURCH: welcomes you to Love God, Love Others, and Reach Out with us! Join us for worship on Sundays at 8:00, 9:30, or 11:00 a.m. We’re located at 331 Anderson Ferry Road in Marietta (off Rt 441 on Rt 772). Learn more at cbcpa.org.

FAITH BIBLE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH: 151 Donnerville Rd., Lancaster (one block south of Columbia Avenue). Pastor: Keith M. Long. 8:45 am Sunday School (with nursery and classes for children, youth and adults); 10:15 a.m. SundayWorship Service (with nursery and children’s church). Wed.: 6:30 p.m. AWANA Clubs (K6); Wed.: 6:30 pm Youth Group 717-285-1900. www.faithbfc.com

OPEN DOOR MISSION MIRACLE LIFE CHURCH: 201 S 2nd St. Wrightsville Bridging gaps, Uplifting Lives, Revealing God's Love. Pastor Stephen Rambler Sundays 10:30AM & 6:30PM ODMMLC.COM 717-854-1220

ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN CHURCH: Sixth & Locust St., Columbia. Pastor: Rev. Richard Whitesel. In-Person Worship Schedule: Wed. 10:15 am, Sun. 10:15 am. Sunday service is also available on Facebook live & YouTube. Holy Eucharist at all services. Handicap accessible. Meals on Wheels ministry 717-684-4244, church office 717-6842763. www.stjohnscol.org

TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH: 243 Hellam Street in Wrightsville. (717-252-2417) Sunday morning service at 9:15am with Holy Eucharist. Handicap accessible. We can be found on Facebook.

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.

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currently have 16 in-stream monitoring devices, and we hope to add more in the future.”

To promote its watershed work, the district will host the 2025 Lancaster-Lebanon Watershed Forum on Saturday, Nov. 15, from 8:30 a.m. to noon at Millersville University.

“The forum is a free event for volunteers, students, watershed organizations and practitioners to learn and collaborate,” Gregory said. “This year we will hear from Dr. David Bowne at Elizabethtown College about wetland biodiversity and Hilary Dozier from USGS about local water quality monitoring.” Registration for the event is required

by Friday, Nov. 7, and breakfast is included in the forum. To learn more, visit https://bit .ly/3JhnUqn.

The conservation district also holds an annual tree seedling sale, which opens in February for pickup in April, and hosts a Youth Conservation School in the summer.

“We all impact our natural resources, whether that’s in a positive or a negative way,” Gregory said. “The conservation district is a resource for everyone, because we all use natural resources every day.”

To learn more about the Lancaster County Conservation District, visit https://lancaster conservation.org.

YCAS Sets Laser Shows, Starwatch Program

The York County Astronomical Society (YCAS) will hold two Laser Show Weekends featuring a diverse lineup of laser light shows set to music. The shows will take place at the planetarium at the York Learning Center, 301 E. Sixth Ave., York.

Lazirvana (Nirvana) at 4:30 p.m., Laser Taylor Swift at 7 p.m., Laser U2 at 8:30 p.m., and Laser Pink Floyd: “Dark Side of the Moon” at 9:30 p.m. Nov. 9 will feature Laser Michael Jackson at 1:30 p.m., Laser Motown at 3 p.m., and Laser Prince at 4:30 p.m.

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Please Note: Updates can be made to

The first weekend of shows will run from Friday, Nov. 7, to Sunday, Nov. 9. Shows on Nov. 7 will be Laser Journey at 7 p.m., Laser Zeppelin at 8:15 p.m., and The Wall at 9:30 p.m. On Saturday, Nov. 8, themes will include Laser Doors at 1:30 p.m., Laser Hendrix at 3 p.m.,

The second weekend of shows will take place from Friday, Nov. 14, to Sunday, Nov. 16. Performances on Nov. 14 will include Laser Rolling Stones at 7 p.m., Laser Queen at 8:15 p.m., and Laser Pink Floyd: “Dark

Volunteers Sought for Gift-Wrapping Fundraiser

United Disabilities Services Foundation (UDSF) has announced its 55th annual Gift-Wrapping Fundraiser. UDSF’s gift-wrapping booth can be found at Park City Center, located off Plaza Boulevard in Lancaster, from Friday, Nov. 28, through Wednesday, Dec. 24. The gift-wrapping booth is one of UDSF’s largest yearly fundraisers. In order to staff this year’s booth through its entire run, UDSF is seeking 400 volunteers. Those 14 years of age and older interested in volunteering may contact Radha Davé at 717715-8921 or radhad@ udservices.org. Informa -

tion can also be found at https://udservices.org/ gift-wrap-booth/.

UDSF also welcomes new and returning sponsors - both local businesses and individual donors - to help cover the costs of gift-wrapping supplies. To learn more, contact Angie Trout at 717-2860267 or AngelaT@uds foundation.org.

UDSF is a nonprofit committed to helping seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities lead more independent and fulfilling lives. Its mission is largely supported by its volunteers, sponsors, and staff members. To learn more, visit www .udservices.org.

Horn Farm Center

Sets Programs

The Horn Farm Center, 4945 Horn Road, York, has planned two programs. There is a fee, and registration is required at https://hornfarmcenter .org. For more information, call 717-757-6441 or email education@horn farmcenter.org.

Crafting with Pine Needles: Gourd Bowl

Design will be held on Sunday, Nov. 16, from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Artist Jen Nailor will guide attendees through the process and technique of coiling pine needles to create a decorative rim around a gourd bowl. Participants will also learn about how pine needles are collected and prepared and the work that goes into creating gourd bowls. The bowls will be

Brethren Disaster Relief Auction

Announces Totals

The 47th annual Brethren Disaster Relief Auction, held at the Lebanon Valley Expo on Sept. 26 and 27, raised a total of $373,931.

Notable sales for the auctions were general auction, steak dinner for 10 people, $1,050; general auction, grape pie sold six times, $1,105; quilt auction, carpenter’s square quilt, $3,600; coin auction, halfounce gold coin, $2,100; theme basket auction, on-the-go basket, $1,150; and sporting goods auction, spotting scope, $650. The

food sales at the auction totaled nearly $34,000. The auction, held in cooperation with the Atlantic Northeast and Southern Districts of the Church of the Brethren, began in 1977 and has provided more than $20 million for disaster relief to victims of natural disasters both in the U.S. and internationally. Funds raised by the auction not only pay for emergency supplies for disaster victims, but also support volunteer disaster relief trips throughout the year.

YCAS

from pg 4

Side of the Moon” at 9:30 p.m. Themes on Saturday, Nov. 15, will be Laser Bowie at 1:30 p.m., Laser Beatles at 3 p.m., Laser ABBA at 4:30 p.m., Laser Bruno Mars at 7 p.m., Laser Gaga at 8:30 p.m., and Laser Billie Eilish at 9:30 p.m. The final shows on Nov. 16 will include Laser Bad Bunny at 1:30 p.m., Laser Beyonce at 3 p.m., and Laser Prince at 4:30 p.m.

In the event of extreme weather, call 717-759YCAS (9227) for notice of cancellation or visit www .astroyork.com or www .facebook.com/AstroYork. Those who own a telescope but are not sure how to use it may schedule a lesson at the observatory by emailing info@ astroyork.com.

“The bell that we use dates back to the Civil War,” Kraft noted. “It was donated to us by Dr. E. Witmer Girth. We use that every year as the beginning part of the service.”

After the opening ceremony, Terry will speak and the meal will be served. Following the meal, the club will elect officers, and a few remarks will be made.

Kraft has been involved with the club for decades, serving as secretary-treasurer for 35 years.

Although he’s not a veteran himself, his father served in World War II and was very active in the VFW and other veterans organizations.

Kraft hopes people who have not come to

the event before will check it out.

“Make a reservation and come join us,” he said. “Once you come one time, you’re going to want to come back year after year.” To make a reservation, call 717-684-2370 between 8:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

dyed red for the holidays. People may bring a decorative vintage button or other embellishment to personalize their piece. To ensure enough materials, registration is required by Sunday, Nov. 9.

Fire Cider: Make & Take will take place on Thursday, Nov. 20, from 6 to 8 p.m. Fire cider is an herbal-infused vinegar that is known to be warming, pungent, and helpful for clearing sinuses. Attendees will learn about fire cider’s history, ingredients, and preparation. All participants will leave with a quart-size batch of fire cider, which can be enjoyed as is, diluted, mixed with a sweetener of choice, or added to salad dressings and marinades.

Tickets may be purchased in advance or at the planetarium 30 minutes before showtime. In addition to the public shows, private show reservations are available for groups of up to 60 people. For more information, visit www.astro york.com.

YCAS will also offer a public Starwatch at its observatory at John C. Rudy County Park, 400 Mundis Race Road, York, on Nov. 8 from 7 to 9 p.m.

The event will begin with a screened astronomical presentation on current astronomy topics. Guests will then be guided on a tour of the sky through one of the club’s telescopes. Attendees will be shown a host of celestial objects. While the event is free and open to the public, donations will help the society to continue to bring astronomical events to York County and surrounding areas.

If it is clear, all activities will occur as scheduled.

Lancaster Longhouse Tours Scheduled

The 1719 Museum, 1849 Hans Herr Drive, Willow Street, will host tours of the Lancaster Longhouse in honor of Native American Heritage Month on Saturday, Nov. 8, with tour slots available at 10 and 11:30 a.m.

Jess McPherson, local artist and cultural educator, will lead the tours. McPherson is a representative of Circle Legacy Center (CLC), a nonprofit dedicated to empowering local Native Americans through education and community representation, honoring both enduring traditions of the past and today’s contemporary cultures. Mennonite Life has worked in partnership with CLC since 2007.

This year’s tours will explore Indigenous history and culture, particularly the Susquehannock-Conestoga people in the area now

known as Lancaster and York counties.

The tours are geared toward older youths and adults, and there is an admission fee. To purchase tickets, visit www.menno nitelife.org/events.

In addition to touring the longhouse, guests are invited to see a new exhibit, “What Lies Beneath,” in the museum store. “What Lies Beneath” features archaeological artifacts unearthed on the 1719 Museum property, exploring what they reveal about the people who lived there and the continued relationship with the land. The museum store will also feature books and crafts highlighting Indigenous life, history, and culture.

Mennonite Life’s vision is diverse communities connecting across boundaries by knowing and valuing their own and each other’s stories of life, faith, cultures, and histories.

Farmers Market

To Offer Free Produce

Twin Rose Family Medicine, 306 N. Seventh St., Columbia, in collaboration with Highmark Wholecare and the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, will host a free farmers market on Thursday, Nov. 13, from 3 to 6 p.m.

The first-come, firstserved event, which will provide free fresh produce, is open to all members of

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the community, including those who do not have Highmark Wholecare as their insurance carriers.

Community members will not be asked to present an ID or for income information. Various types of produce will be available for selection. Bags will be available to carry the produce, or guests can bring their own.

Pets

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READ YOUR AD THE FIRST WEEK IT APPEARS

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Show

Community House Will Host Tribute to Veterans

BY CAT SHANNON

Veterans and their families are invited to attend a special event at the Marietta Community House on Sunday, Nov. 9. A Veterans Day program, brick dedication and ceremony will begin at 2 p.m. in Studio 264, located behind the community house at 264 W. Market St., Marietta.

“We hold this event for the community to honor our veterans,” said Nancy Kulman, secretary for the Marietta Community House, noting that the location has played an important role in local history. “The Marietta Community House was founded to honor Lt. Benjamin Hiestand, who died in World War I in an airplane crash while training pilots.”

After their son’s death, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Hiestand formed the Marietta Community House in Benjamin’s honor.

as the event’s keynote speaker. He is a Vietnam veteran and member of the American Legion Post 466.

“They wanted to honor all young men who left their homes to serve in World War I,” Kulman shared. “We have continued that tradition to honor all those who serve their country.”

Members of the Marietta American Legion Post 466 will join the Community House in recognizing local heroes at the ceremony, including Benjamin. The Red Rose Veterans Honor Guard will present the colors, followed by a short ceremony.

Robert Pegritz will serve

Local officials and others from the post will also offer remarks, and Donegal High School students will sing “The Star-Spangled Banner” and other patriotic songs.

The Red Rose Honor Guard will also complete a flag folding ceremony.

Following the ceremony, a flag placing will be held on the hill at the Community Bible Church, 331 Anderson Ferry Road, Marietta.

Additionally, the event will include a dedication of bricks to the Marietta Community House’s Buy-A-Brick program.

This project honors and remembers local individuals and businesses,

Kulman said, adding that a reading of the inscriptions will be presented as well as comments from the donors.

Money received from the brick project has been used to repair and maintain the Marietta Community House for use by the local community.

Built in 1871 by Dr. John Huston for his nephew, the home remained a private residence until 1909, when it became a sanitarium that administered rabies vaccines to children. In 1919, as World War I was ending, the Hiestands purchased the building and donated the house to the community of Marietta. Over the years, the building has housed an American Legion post, a public library, a well-baby

LCBC Posts Field Trip, Meeting

The Lancaster County Bird Club (LCBC) will offer a field trip on Sunday, Nov. 9, at 8 a.m. at the Conewago Recreation Trail in Elizabethtown. Participants must register by 6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 8, by contacting trip leader Carl Groff at 717-471-9969 or fledge19@verizon.net.

The LCBC will meet on Thursday, Nov. 13, at 7 p.m. at the North Museum of Nature and Science, 400 College Ave., Lancaster. Matthew Young will present “Finch Irruptions, Finch Feeding and the

Stokes Guide to Finches of the U.S. and Canada.” The presentation will include a discussion of “The Stokes Guide to Finches,” which Young co-wrote with Lillian Stokes. In the book, 43 types of finches from the U.S. and Canada are included, and the guide covers detailed finch identification, language, behavior, irruptions, specialized maps and foraging charts on crossbills, how to conserve finches, and more.

Young is a co-lead on the Evening Grosbeak

Road to Recovery Project and is the founder and board president of the Finch Research Network. Young worked in the field of social work with special needs populations at the William George Agency for more than 12 years and is currently a wild bird products specialist and conservation coordinator for Aspen Song Wild Bird Food. Additionally, he worked at the Cornell Lab for 15 years. Widely known as a preeminent authority on finches of North America, he has

clinic, a soup kitchen and the Pennsylvania School for the Arts, among other organizations. It now serves as a wedding and special event venue, with a focus on a variety of community events throughout the year.

“We encourage everyone to attend this event to also honor those who served their country and remember those who are not with us,” Kulman said. “Those who have attended in the past have been touched by the presentation of the colors and folding of the flag.”

The program is free to attend, and refreshments will be served. Memorial bricks are still available to purchase. For more information, contact Kulman at Marietta Community House at 717-426-1229.

written finch species accounts for breeding bird atlases and Birds of the World accounts, and he has published several papers on finches and the red crossbill vocal complex.

The meeting is free and open to the public. For more information, call 717-8563851 or 717-725-2717.

For more information about the LCBC, visit www.lancasterbirdclub .org, www.facebook .com/lancasterbirdclub, or www.instagram.com/ lancasterbirdclub.