Garden Spot townlively.com
NOVEMBER 6, 2024
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL LX • NO 46
A time for giving BY ANN MEAD ASH
N
ew Hollanders are known for their generosity, not only at the holidays, but all year long. Still, it is when CrossNet Ministries asks local residents to help make Christmas brighter for area families that one of the largest displays of giving in the area can be witnessed. In 2023, organizers of the CrossNet Christmas Program anticipated more than 600 children would receive gifts through the effort. “Last year, we (provided gifts for) 610 children,” said Meghan Ervine, d i re c to r o f m a r k e t i n g a n d communications for CrossNet. According to Corrine Horning, community events and outreach manager for the ministry, it’s possible this year that number will be closer to 700. In 2023, in an effort to make it easier for donors to sponsor local children, at a suggested donation of $100 per child, the
Volunteers help fulfill the wishes of area children by working at the 2023 CrossNet Christmas Program.
“CrossNet Christmas Program Guide” was created. For 2024, the handbook has been streamlined. It now covers topics including the mission of the program, how to sponsor a child, important dates and locations for 2024, frequently asked questions, and how to organize a giving tree,
along with important forms that sponsors can use. The booklet can be downloaded at https:// elancocross.org by clicking on “What we do” and “Community” and scrolling to “Christmas Gift Program.” Those wishing to sponsor a local family are asked to contact CrossNet by calling
717-355-2454 or emailing cor r ine@elancocross.org by Friday, Nov. 8. In addition to sponsorship, 20 donation bins will be placed in community areas, such as churches and businesses, throughout the month of November. Items that may be placed in bins include
sports equipment, children’s books, Legos, board games, craft sets, and stocking stuffer items. Area residents are also welcome to hold their own toy drives and bring the items to CrossNet at 123 W. Franklin St., New Holland. Area residents who prefer to give smaller items may take part See CrossNet Ministries pg 7
A path to the past Heritage Day attracts thousands
BY ANN MEAD ASH
BY ANN MEAD ASH
Last year, members of Our Lady of Lourdes Church decided to resurrect the annual holiday bazaar that had been held years before. “At Our Lady of Lourdes, we have a strong focus on community, and hosting the holiday bazaar is an excellent opportunity to bring together the members of the parish and our neighbors,” said organizer Karen Kernc. “The 2023 event was the first in over 15 years and a welcome return Displaying items that will be offered for purchase at the Our Lady of after the pandemic.” Lourdes holiday bazaar are (from left) Kathy Baker, Colleen Rooney,
According to Wanda Swarr, founder of Pathways school, which meets in Brubaker Park, Heritage Day serves two main purposes. “It is primarily an outreach to the community,” said Swarr. “We want to spread our passion for learning and history.” But Heritage Day also gives Pathways students a chance to showcase their talents and skills, and they contribute to the evolving offerings of the event. “The kids are great at coming up
with ways to improve it,” shared Swarr. “It really displays who we are here by giving students hands-on ownership and opportunities to make decisions.” The fifth annual Pathways Heritage Day was held at the Brubaker Homestead at Brubaker Park, 414 Long Lane, East Earl, on Oct. 19. Heritage Day celebrates rural Lancaster County history and culture. Originally, the event focused on European history, but a student pointed out that Native American artifacts were See Pathways pg 2
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See Our Lady of Lourdes pg 8 and Karen Kernc.
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Holiday bazaar planned at Our Lady of Lourdes