Octorara townlively.com
JANUARY 22, 2025
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL XXXIV • NO 47
Chester County art contest winners named BY FRANCINE FULTON
The Chester County Sheriff’s Office recently announced the winners of its first art contest, themed “Law Enforcement in the Community.” Anna Zerbe,
a third-grader at the Honey Brook E lementar y Center, earned first place; Sid Ghatta, a fifth-grader from the Great Valley 5/6 Center, won second place; and Arianny Aguilar, a sixth-grader from Avon Grove See Art contest pg 3
Pastors Michele and Sam Masteller (center, with scissors) led the ribbon-cutting ceremony with family members.
Freedom Life opens new church campus “Thank you for taking the time out of your schedule to honor fter breaking ground more this moment,” he stated. “I pray than a year ago, Freedom that whether you attend here (or Life Church recently cele- another church), you experience brated the grand opening of the Freedom Life Atglen Campus, located at 789 Gap Newport Pike “It has been awesome to (Route 41), Atglen. see what God has done.” A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on Jan. 10, led by pastors Sam and Michele Masteller. “What a great day,” said Sam. “It the grace and mercy of God. None has been awesome to see what of this is for the ego of man; it is for the glory of God.” God has done.” Among those who offered Sam welcomed those in attendance, including congregation remarks at the event was Ken members and church officials; Weaver, president of Weaver neighbors from the community; Construction. “I am grateful and representatives from Weaver for all of our par tners that Construction, which was in were part of the process,” he charge of the building project. stated. “There was a network of
A
subcontractors, engineers and architects who worked with us. It was a team approach, and we partnered with Freedom Life. It was a great joy to build this building with that team.” Other speakers included Eric Gerber, associate pastor, who opened the ribbon-cutting ceremony; Rick Shawley, a member of the Freedom Life executive team, who offered a prayer; and Tom Rees, a representative from the PennDel Ministry Network. Prior to the ribbon cutting, church members unveiled a Wall of Honor. “Earlier in the morning, we hosted a service to honor the individuals whose names we engraved on a Wall of Honor positioned outside the rear entrance,” noted Angie Dearolf, Freedom Life
Library offers activities for patrons of all ages BY FRANCINE FULTON
After a short hiatus for the holidays and a bathroom renovation, the Parkesburg Free Library has restarted its ongoing programs. New library director Faith Dopirak leads Monday Music with Miss Faith, which meets on Mondays at 10:30 a.m. and is open to preschoolers ages 1 to 4. The program began on Jan. 13 and will run for a six-week session. “We sing songs and dance,” Dopirak
said, noting that parents and caregivers accompany their children to the activity. Stor y Hour is offered on Wednesdays at 10 a.m., and a Kids’ Craft and Story Time is held on Thursdays at noon for children ages 1 to 5. In addition to a story, both groups offer an age-appropriate craft activity. “The craft is based on the theme of the story time,” Dopirak noted. “ We have a Valentine’s-themed craft coming up.” Supplies are provided. Chess Club, open to patrons See Parkesburg Library pg 5
R114254
See Freedom Life pg 4
JANUARY 9TH - FEBRUARY 15TH POSTMASTER: PLEASE DELIVER JAN. 22, 2025
PRSRT STD ECRWSS U.S. Postage Paid Engle Printing Co
Postal Patron
OCC
BY FRANCINE FULTON
Arianny Aguilar (back, center) is congratulated by Chester County Sheriff Kevin D. Dykes (back, right). Arianny was accompanied to the sheriff’s office by her mother, Milly Aguilar (back, left), and her brother, Jayden Aguilar (front).