Donegal DECEMBER 17, 2025
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SERVING OUR COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
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A Lasting Tribute to World War II Soldiers BY CAT SHANNON
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s the Rotary Club of Mount Joy approaches its 100th anniversary in 2026, the organization is preparing to mark that milestone with a project rooted in remembrance. T he club has a long history of enhancing the town, from installing the Main Street clo ck to helping Harold Billow in his Mount Joy yard. Photo used with permission from TheLogBookProject.com build Rotary Park and contributing significantly to more than 80 American soldiers Battalion, among them Mount the rebuild of Kids Joyland. Now, who were executed during the Joy’s own Harold Billow, the lastRotarians are turning their efforts Malmedy Massacre on Dec. 17, known survivor of the World War II toward a project that carries deep 1944, during the Battle of the massacre, who passed away in 2022 local meaning: the creation of a Bulge. It will also pay special trib- at age 99. “The Rotary Club of Mount Joy Malmedy Massacre Memorial at ute to the 10 Lancaster County soldiers from Battery B of the has always been committed to Veterans War Memorial Park. The memorial will honor the 285th Field Artillery Observation enhancing their local Mount Joy See Tribute pg 4
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A Christmas Table Open to All BY CAT SHANNON
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The members of Cross Roads Church have a message for the community. “You don’t have to be alone on Christmas,” said Clare Funck. “Come and fellowship with us.” Funck is one of the many volunteers who invite people to a free Christmas meal on Thursday, Dec. 25, at the church, 800 Donegal Springs Road, Mount Joy. The meal is available for dine-in and will be served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The menu will feature all of the traditional holiday fare - turkey, stuffing, gourmet potatoes, green beans and a variety of desserts. Everything is donated and prepared by volunteers. “When you come in the door, you’ll be greeted by a church Inviting people to a free Christmas Day meal at member who will welcome you in,” said Kendric Bert, who is Cross Roads Church are (from left) Kendric Bert,
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See Christmas pg 5 Clare Funck and Joe McFarland. Photo by Cat Shannon
VOL LXVI • NO 45
Roaring Into the New Year for Veterans BY CAT SHANNON
Every New Year’s Day, the roar of engines becomes a rallying cry for local veterans as hundreds of motorcycle riders hit the road for a cause. The tradition will continue on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, with the 17th annual benefit ride, an energetic kickoff to the year that blends camaraderie, charity and a 25-mile scenic convoy along the Susquehanna River. Registration will begin at 10 a.m. at the Walter S. Ebersole American Legion Post 185, 255 W. Main St., Mount Joy. Riders will depart at 1 p.m., traveling the river route before ending at the Elizabethtown American Legion Post 329, 240 N. Hanover St. Before the engines rev, members of the auxiliary will serve breakfast at the Mount Joy Legion. After the ride, participants can enjoy a pork and sauerkraut dinner at the Elizabethtown post. Years ago, a group of friends got together and decided the best way to ring in the new year was by doing something they love - riding their motorcycles. They put together the event to raise funds for veterans at the Lebanon VA Medical Center. “All of the money we raise goes directly to the veterans,” shared Michael Hehnly, finance officer for the Mount Joy American Legion. “They can use that money to buy hygiene items or other things they may need.” Last year’s ride raised $40,000, he said. Over the years, the event has garnered almost $350,000 for veterans. Even with its serious mission, the day is full of fun and fellowship. Each year, one participant See Veterans pg 2
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