Octorara townlively.com
JANUARY 29, 2025
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL XXXIV • NO 48
Winter is sweeter with Girl Scout Cookies BY FRANCINE FULTON
Among the pets currently available for adoption are Josie (left photo), Archie (center photo) and Andy (right photo).
Pet rescue seeks fosters, adopters BY FRANCINE FULTON
See Pet rescue pg 2 All 4 Paws Rescue.
See Girl Scout Cookies pg 4 the Parkesburg Grocery Outlet.
Residents can get free help with their tax returns BY FRANCINE FULTON
As tax filing season approaches, Chester County residents are reminded that their taxes can be prepared free of charge through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program, which is offered locally by Life Transforming Ministries (LTM) in Coatesville. This year, tax preparation sites are located in Coatesville, Downingtown, Exton, Kennett Square, Phoenixville, Pottstown, Royersford and West Chester. The sites opened on Jan. 27 and will
remain open through Tuesday, April 15. VITA is a program offered by the IRS to partner organizations, like LTM. “VITA offers free federal and state tax preparation for hard-working families or people who do not earn high wages,” said Lyneesha Johnson, who is in charge of marketing and communication for LTM. Those who choose to make use of the program are first asked to visit www.ChesterCountyFree Taxes.org and choose “For Tax Filer,” then select “Items You See Taxes pg 8
33 Years of Service
R114561
Medicare Supplements: Understand Your Options
126 Townsedge Dr. | Quarryville | Call/Text 717.786.2011 | TrustMcGowan.com POSTMASTER: PLEASE DELIVER JAN. 29, 2025
PRSRT STD ECRWSS U.S. Postage Paid Engle Printing Co
Postal Patron
OCC
A
ll 4 Paws Rescue, a Chester County-based nonprofit organization that rescues animals in need, is currently in need of fosters willing to take in cats and dogs that are waiting for their forever homes as well as adopters looking to provide a loving home to a pet. “The most important thing for all rescue organizations are fosters and adopters,” said Kristen Geddes, founder and director of All 4 Paws. “The more fosters we have, the more lives we can save. Without adopters, we can’t keep taking in dogs.” Geddes founded the rescue in May of 2009. “I had a corporate job 15 or 20 years ago and started volunteering at a local rescue and became passionate about it and started All 4 Paws,” she explained, noting that since its inception, All 4 Paws Rescue has saved more than 16,000 animals. “We have been busy.” Kristen Geddes, shown with Felix, is the founder and director of
For those who crave Girl Scout Cookies, the wait is over. Cookie sales began on Jan. 24 and will run through mid-March. Locally, people can find Girl Scouts selling cookies on weekends at area businesses. Booth locations include Tractor Supply, 985 Octorara Trail, Parkesburg; Walmar t Supercenter, 100 Commons Drive, Parkesburg; RDV Convenience Store, 214 W. First Ave., Parkesburg; H e r s h e y ’s F a r m M a r k e t , 959 Octorara Trail, Parkesburg; Rocco & Anna’s Ristorante, 302 Main St., Parkesburg ; Dickens Automotive, 1086 Gap Newport Pike, Cochranville; and Parkesburg Grocery Outlet, 110 W. First Ave., Parkesburg. During opening weekend, Morrigan McElwee, a member of Cadette Girl Scout Troop 415, which meets at Parkesburg Girl Scout Morrigan McElwee Church of the Ascension, was offered cookies for sale recently at