Donegal NOVEMBER 26, 2025
SERVING OUR COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
REACHING MORE THAN 9,800 HOMES
Winterfest Will Bring Cheer To Town
Dinner Theater Will Spread Christmas Spirit
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Growing up in the Harrisburg area, Dave Astuto learned the importance of giving back from an early age. When Astuto, the son of a pastor, moved to Mount Joy 16 years ago, he wanted to connect with the community. His most recent effort directly impacts students in Donegal School District. “I have four businesses along Main Street in Mount Joy,” Astuto said, adding that he knew some people were experiencing severe
Dave Astuto (far right) with Morgan Hiestand (second from left) and
“This is going to be an unforgettable night of laughter, music and meaning,” said Bob Fisher, describing “The Real Meaning of Christmas.” “We’re going to pack as much fun and entertainment into the evening as possible.” “The Real Meaning of Christmas,” a free dinner theater show, will be presented on Sunday, Dec. 7, at 5:30 p.m. at Florin Church of the Brethren, 815 Bruce Ave., Mount Joy. Doors will open at 5 p.m. “There is going to be a lot going on that evening,” said Bob, who is the show’s creator and director. “Our waiters will be in the show, performing and encouraging the people at the tables to get involved. We’ll be singing Christmas songs all evening, and we’ll have skits that tell the story of Christmas. We’re going to end the evening with a really memorable activity.” Details for that activity will be revealed at the event, he said, noting that everyone in the community is invited to attend the dinner theater. “The target audience is those people who really need to hear the good news of Jesus, have a fun night out and have some hope in their life,” Bob shared. “We feel we can provide that through this program.” The idea for the dinner theater began after Bob’s wife, Marcy who is the music director at the church - suggested holding a hymn sing. That idea soon transformed into a full-blown dinner theater. “I went out there to look for things to adapt or reuse, but
See Lunch pg 4 Donegal High School cafeteria staff. Photo by Cat Shannon
See Theater pg 2
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very December, Main Street in Mount Joy becomes a living portrait of community spirit. Neighbors, churches, businesses and service clubs come together to host Winterfest, a celebration that wraps the town in lights, laughter and hometown pride. The 27th annual Winterfest will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6, along Main Street from Market to Barbara streets in Mount Joy. Representatives from various service organizations, including the Rotary Club, the Lions Club, Kiwanis, Friends of Donegal and the Mount Joy Area Chamber of Commerce, will join community volunteers to host the festive event. “Come for the kids’ activities, the music, the food and the crafts,” said Ferne Silberman, who is helping to organize Winterfest. “We have a huge area for the kids.” Organizer Linda Eberly noted that Mount Joy Church of God donates the use of its property for the kids’ area. “We’ve put all of the kids’ activities in one area, making it easier for the parents,” Eberly said. “It’s a nice, large spot for families to gather.” Children’s activities will include a petting zoo See Winterfest pg 4 Holiday elves are ready to greet people at Winterfest.
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