Garden Spot townlively.com
SEPTEMBER 13, 2023
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL LIX • NO 38
Taking off the chill CrossNet schedules Columbus Day coat giveaway BY ANN MEAD ASH
isa Kerstetter, community events manager with CrossNet Ministries, knows what she needs to make this year’s Coat Giveaway event a success. “We gave away more than 300 coats last year,” Kerstetter stated. “I want to have at least 350 to give away (in 2023).” Kerstetter is well aware that keeping the children of ELANCO School District warm this winter is a project that requires volunteers and donors. “The success of the program relies on the community,” she noted, adding that there are multiple ways to take part. Area residents may volunteer to help set up during the afternoon of Sunday, Oct. 8, or help at the giveaway on the afternoon of Monday, Oct. 9. “It’s always on Columbus Day,” commented Kerstetter of the event, which will take place at the CrossNet Youth Center, 110 W. Franklin St., New Holland. This year’s giveaway, which will be held from 9 a.m. to
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4 p.m., will serve infants through seniors in high school within the ELANCO School District whose families participate in free and reduced-cost lunch programs. Proof of residency, such as a utility bill, will be required. In addition to volunteers, CrossNet needs help to gather the necessary
“Each child deserves the right to feel confident and valued, no matter their economic situation.” items. CrossNet will accept new and gently used coats, hats, scarves, and gloves. Toiletries will also be collected at CrossNet’s offices at 123 W. Franklin St., New Holland, through Thursday, Oct. 5. Donors who bring a brand-new coat to contribute to the drive will be entered to win a $50 gift card. The gift card drawing will be held following the end of the drive. For
those who prefer internet shopping, Kerstetter has set up an Amazon wishlist, which can be accessed through www.elancocross.org. She also encourages individuals and groups to organize coat drives. Financial donations are also welcome. Leftover coats and other winter clothing will be disbursed as specific needs come up in the district. Donated coats should be designed to keep children warm in weather that is 40 degrees or below. Kerstetter noted that there are two special needs that stand out this year. First, she would like to be able to offer more winter boots to children. Second, she is looking for coats that would be appreciated by high school students. “While we need coats for all ages, we are specifically looking for warm athletic wear for older teens,” she said. Toiletries that Kerstetter especially needs for the giveaway include toothbrushes and toothpaste and deodorant, which are gathered into goodie bags to be handed out. See CrossNet Ministries pg 4
Looking back at 175 years of faith GDN
Mount Airy Church to hold special service
Mount Airy Evangelical Congregational Church former pastor Jim Griel (left) and current pastor Philip Walck are planning the church’s 175th anniversary celebration.
New and gently used coats are provided to ELANCO School District children at the CrossNet annual Coat Giveaway.
Helping Lancaster County’s children to thrive
BY ANN MEAD ASH
BY ANN MEAD ASH
“Anybody is welcome to come,” said Jim Griel, former pastor of the Mount Airy Evangelical Congregational (E.C.) Church, of the church’s upcoming 175th anniversary celebration. Mount Airy, located at 480 Springville Road, New Holland, will hold a special service to commemorate the event on Sunday, Sept. 17, at 10 a.m. The service will include special music. “Two of my grandchildren will play, and three of us will sing,” said Griel, who added that Randy Sizemore, bishop for the International Conference Evangelical Congregational Churches, will speak. Current pastor Philip Walck said that Griel will read the roll call of
Ocean Smith, family engagement specialist with Community Action Partnership (CAP) of Lancaster County, began her career in the area as a home visitor with the Parents as Teachers program in the ELANCO School District. In January, she was promoted to her present position, where she facilitates and coordinates events for families involved in the program throughout the county. Smith also continues to work with families in ELANCO with whom she was engaged as a home visitor prior
to her promotion. “Enrollment age for the Parents as Teachers is for children 2 and under and prenatal, but we walk alongside them until they enter kindergarten,” explained Smith. “My role is split between having a caseload and doing those events for the entire team,” said Smith, who has an office at 1770 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster, but also works out of CrossNet Ministries in New Holland as necessary while she continues to serve ELANCO in a limited capacity. In her role, Smith works with Thrive to Five, the education and
See Mount Airy Church pg 3
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