Morgantown/Honey Brook townlively.com
MARCH 6, 2024
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL XXXII • NO 5
Miss Pennsylvania’s Teen visits Birdsboro library BY FRANCINE FULTON
Flynn Newlin (left) and Kate Laughlin model the prom dresses they chose from the boutique.
Owen J. Roberts High School student Madalynn Pollinger was able to find a prom dress at the event.
Ready for prom
A special story time was held recently at the Boone Area Library in Birdsboro when Miss Pennsylvania’s Teen 2023 Lizzie Shacklett stopped by to read her book, “I Read Before Bed.” Lizzie, 15, is also the founder of Literacy Is Lit, an initiative that promotes books and reading. She visits local libraries to promote the effort, which includes hosting book donation drives for families in need and spreading the word about the importance of literacy. “ I h av e b e e n a b l e to d o appearances all across the state of Pennsylvania at various libraries and schools. They are my favorite because I get to talk about my community service initiative, Literacy Is Lit,” Lizzie said. “I also had the opportunity to visit the state Capitol with some of our local senators and representatives to talk about the importance of literacy.”
Miss Pennsylvania’s Teen 2023 Lizzie Shacklett is the author of “I Read Before Bed.”
“Literacy Is Lit,” which has a motto of “Finding & Filling the Literacy Gap,” has collected and distributed more than 7,300 books to organizations across the state that support literacy for children. See Birdsboro library pg 4
Anchored Ministries sponsors formal wear boutique
E
ach year, Anchored Ministries holds a free prom boutique at Twin Valley High School (TVHS), where students are able to choose free formal attire, including dresses, suits and accessories. This year, for the first time, students from all school districts were invited to attend a prom boutique on Feb. 24 at CROSSroads Bible Fellowship Church in Elverson. During the event, attendees were able to choose from more than 600 prom dresses, which were displayed on racks according to size and color. Also offered were shoes, makeup, handbags, ties, jewelry and other accessories. All shoppers were also entered into a drawing to win gift cards.
The event was a collaboration between pastor Tim Radcliff and Erika Kanter, executive director of Anchored Ministries, who, along with volunteers, converted the church’s worship area into a
“It’s such a fun blessing to come to an event like this.” dress shop complete with racks of clothing, displays of accessories and dressing rooms. “We partner with CROSSroads, and we look for different ways to grow that partnership,” said Kanter. “When I saw the wonderful space, we (asked) to host the event here.”
All items at the prom showcase were donated by the community and stored at Anchored Ministries. “We have 671 prom dresses and more than 200 suits. We even have female suits,” said Kanter. “Everything is 100% free.” One shopper was Flynn Newlin of Downingtown, who was accompanied by her mother, Sara Newlin, and her friend Kate Laughlin from West Chester. Flynn chose a light green strapless gown, while Kate chose a brown dress with copper accents. “Most girls wear long dresses to the prom, but they are very slim,” said Flynn. “Long is traditional.” “We are all about thrifting and recycling and upcycling and having fun with it,” Sara added. “It’s such a fun blessing to come
Daniel Boone Homestead to celebrate Charter Day BY FRANCINE FULTON
The Daniel Boone Homestead, the birthplace of the American pioneer and frontiersman, will celebrate Charter Day on Sunday, March 10, from noon to 5 p.m. Charter Day, which marks Pennsylvania’s 343rd birthday, is designed to commemorate the time when England’s King Charles II granted William Penn the charter to create Pennsylvania on March 12, 1681. At Daniel Boone Homestead, the living history event will
feature re-enactors demonstrating 18th-century skills, including gunsmithing, leatherworking and blacksmithing. Craft and specialty food vendors as well as food trucks and concessions will be open during the day. Volunteers will also cook a meal over the hearth in the kitchen. According to Amanda Machik, manager of site events and programs, the end of winter or the beginning of spring at the homestead was called “the hungry times”or “six weeks of want.” See Charter Day pg 2 UP TO
See Prom boutique pg 2
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BY FRANCINE FULTON