Donegal OCTOBER 15, 2025
SERVING OUR COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
REACHING MORE THAN 9,800 HOMES
A Spooktacular Time for Treats BY CAT SHANNON
Early Learning Center West Campus
Tuesday, October 21 5:30-7:00 P.M.
• Meet Directors & Administrators
ain Street in Mount Joy will transform into a Halloween wonderland on Friday, Oct. 24, from 5 to 8 p.m. when the annual Spooktacular returns. The event, hosted by the Mount Joy Area Chamber of Commerce and supported by its members, promises festive fun for people of all ages. Businesses and organizations throughout town will showcase their Halloween spirit with games, creative displays and plenty of treats. Tom Kowalchik, owner of Penn Home Mortgage LLC, has wowed attendees with his past displays of singing pumpkins and a towering Frankenstein, and he has something fun planned again for this year. “Halloween has long been our ‘go-to’ holiday, so a few years back, when I saw a Realtor friend dressing up his pickup to participate in a Trunk or Treat, it gave me an idea,”
On two autumn nights, the quiet riverside town of Marietta will take on a different personality, one cloaked in shadows, whispers and spine-tingling surprises. By day, the borough is known for its historic charm, scenic river views and close-knit community spirit. But when the sun goes down on Friday, Oct. 24, and Saturday, Oct. 25, one site in town will transform into a playground for spirits and thrill-seekers. That’s when Haunted Marietta will return to the Union Meeting House, 82 N. Waterford Ave., bringing with it an eerie blend of history, fright and family fun.
You are invited to celebrate the fall season on the farm. Heritage Creek Farm & Education Center, 2126 Risser Mill Road, Mount Joy, will host an Autumn Showcase and Pumpkin Derby Car STEM Challenge on Saturday, Oct. 25. The event will be held at the farm from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. “We’re opening the farm to the public to celebrate the beauty and importance of this time of year,” said Cindi Hughes, owner and education director. “Through community events like this, we hope to highlight our agri-education programs, demonstrate the many layers of agriculture and environmental stewardship and most importantly, help people reconnect with where their food comes from. From soil to seed, every part of the farm tells a story - one that blends science, tradition and care for the land with agriculture.” The event will combine celebrating and fun with opportunities to inspire curiosity and hands-on learning, she noted. “Whether you’re building a pumpkin car, walking the EnviroTrail or meeting a sheep for the first time, you’re engaging in an experience that connects you to the earth and your food,” Hughes remarked. From racing or viewing the engineered Pumpkin Derby cars, to sipping piping-hot pumpkin apple cider by the fire, the event will offer a chance to dive into the richness of fall through science, art, nature and tradition, she added. Visitors will enjoy crafts, including making pumpkin mosaics
See Haunted pg 8
See Showcase pg 3
See Spooktacular pg 2 People enjoy a previous year’s Spooktacular in Mount Joy.
Haunted Marietta Promises Thrills and Chills BY CAT SHANNON
• Review Curriculum & Bible-Based Education • Tour Facility Questions about Enrollment or Open House, contact Abby Reiner, Director abby.reiner@lcstaff.net 717-259-3740
lititzchristian.net/elc R122293
People line up to enter Haunted Marietta.
POSTMASTER: PLEASE DELIVER OCT. 15, 2025
PRSRT STD ECRWSS U.S. Postage Paid Engle Printing Co
Postal Patron
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Located at Community Bible Church 331 Anderson Ferry Road Marietta, PA 17547
Heritage Creek Will Host Autumn Showcase BY CAT SHANNON
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Open House
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