Elizabethtown
National
Day townlively.com
MARCH 15, 2023
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL LXIV • NO 5
Look Inside
A scent-sational student-run business BY CATHY MOLITORIS
ne of the goals of Kelsey Olsen’s autistic support classroom at Elizabethtown Area High School is to provide opportunities for students to hone their life and work skills. Thanks to a unique partnership with a local business, that just became a little easier. Olsen’s students have created soaps, lotions, tote bags and T-shirts, which they now sell at Naturally Gifted by Jeri, located on the square in Elizabethtown. All items created by the students are sold under the business name Autism Specialty Co. The project began as an in-school business earlier this year when a parent of one of Olsen’s students approached her about making T-shirts. Although they added those eventually, the students started with handmade soaps and lotions. “I make my own soaps and lotions, so I was already familiar with how to do it,” Olsen recalled. They began selling the products in school and to family members. “ We did so well, we
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decide to expand to apparel,” Olsen stated. The students sell tote bags, T-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, polo shirts and jackets that feature unique artwork they designed. Designs include an abstract selfportrait, a dragon inspired by “Raya and the Last Dragon,” a cat playing a guitar and a John Deere 111 riding mower. Soon, the class had also created a website for its products, and the students were able to reach an even bigger customer base. One day, Jeri Culbertson, owner of Naturally Gifted by Jeri, saw a Facebook post about the Autism Specialty Co. and was intrigued. “Their products were locally made, all natural, vegan and cruelty-free,” Culbertson said. “It fit exactly with what I promote and sell here. Everything I have is all natural and handcrafted.” Culbertson contacted Olsen about selling the students’ products in her store. “I want to lift people up with what I do and what I sell,” she stated. “I’m always on the lookout for new and different items. The students are very excited about this, and I’m excited, too.” Jeri Culbertson (left) with Autism Specialty Co. creators and teacher Kelsey Olsen (second from right)
Spring book sale will have something for everyone BY CATHY MOLITORIS
When it came time to schedule their spring book sale, the Friends of the Elizabethtown Public Library decided to try something different this year. Rather than a few days with limited categories of items for sale, the group has expanded the sale to a full week and a wide variety of genres. The spring book sale will be held from Monday, March 27, through Saturday, April 1, in the lower level of the library, Members of the Friends of the Elizabethtown Public Library sort items for the upcoming book sale.
Free clothing will be offered to community BY CATHY MOLITORIS
For the bus drivers who work for Durham School Services in Elizabethtown, community is everything. Not only do they give their time to transporting students to and from school, but now they also have created an event to give back. Durham’s first community clothing giveaway will be held on Saturday, March 25, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the parking lot of the business, 2202 S. Market St., Elizabethtown. “We are passionate about our jobs and like to help to
give back to the community,” said Stacy Moore, a driver and one of the event organizers. The clothing giveaway will be open to anyone, but organizers hope it is attended most by people in need. Donations are curently sought. “We are hoping to get clothes in all sizes, from babies and kids to men’s and women’s clothing,” Moore stated, noting that Durham has been collecting donations for several weeks. “We’re also hoping to have some household necessities and baby items.” See Clothing pg 3 R093027
See Book sale pg 5
Let us show you the difference a caring neighbor can make. Rothermel-Finkenbinder Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. Palmyra | 717-838-9211 Travis S. Finkenbinder, Supervisor
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See Business pg 3
Miller-Finkenbinder Funeral Home & Crematory Elizabethtown | 717-367-1543 Thomas W. Ford, Supervisor
Fager-Finkenbinder Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. Middletown | 717-944-7413 Alana A. Ace, Supervisor