Octorara SERVING OUR COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
MARCH 4, 2026
REACHING MORE THAN 3,720 HOMES
VOL XXXVI • NO 1
Finding Forever Homes for Pets BY FRANCINE FULTON
W
hen volunteers with Toby Time Animal Foundation held a meet-and-greet event at Tractor Supply Co. in Parkesburg, they brought a binder with them featuring photos of available pets as well as two dogs for potential adopters to meet - Harley and Petunia, known as Tuni. By the end of the event a few hours later, Tuni had found her forever home. Success stories like this one are what make the adoption events an important part of the rescue’s mission to find forever homes for pets in its care. “(The Beegle family of East Fallowfield) had already filled out an application and they saw Tuni’s picture and came here to meet her,” said Barb Hogstrom, who founded the southern Chester County-based rescue along with Mandy Vincolato. “Tuni really turned on the charm (when she met the family). She knew she was going home with them.” Toby Time Animal Foundation,
townlively.com
JUNE 11, 2025
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
founded in the spring of 2025, is named in honor of the two founders, who both lost dogs named Toby, who coincidentally both had the same nickname, Toby Time. The rescue was founded “to keep their dogs’ spirits alive.” “We had 103 adoptions last year. We are growing,” said Hogstrom. The rescue does not have a facility or kennel where dogs are placed, so it relies on fosters who keep the dogs in their homes while permanent owners can be found. Prospective fosters are asked to complete an application, provide references and sign a foster agreement. “We open our doors and really get to know their personalities. We make it all about the dogs,” said Hogstrom. “Our priority is a good fit for the dog first. If all goes well and the application (is approved), we move forward with the adoption.” Diane Dunn of Cochranville, a volunteer animal transporter, was Toby Time Animal Foundation co-founder Barb Hogstrom (left) with also at the meet-and-greet event. Harley and volunteer Diane Dunn (right) with Tuni were part of a
meet-and-greet in Parkesburg. While Tuni found her forever home at
See Rescue pg 2 the event, Harley is still available for adoption. Photo by Francine Fulton
VOL XXXIII • NO 19
Golf Tournament To Support Animal House Project BY FRANCINE FULTON
on Monday, July 21, which will benefit Animal House Project Bellewood Country Club, an (AHP), a nonprofit organization exclusive golf club in North that serves pet owners in need. Coventry Township, will be the By operating a pet food pantry site of a charity golf tournament and offering veterinary services, See Golf Tournament pg 9
The Flight of Fancy
Partipants in last year’s event included (from left) race co-directors Pam Haas and Lynn Cronomiz, Freddie Henry and Lynne Bickta.
Paint the Town Purple Run/Walk To Benefit Alzheimer’s Association
A
s part of an effort to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and in memory of her mother, Carol, who passed away from the disease in 2017, Lynn Cronomiz of Morgantown will again host the Paint the Town Purple 5K, with all proceeds supporting the Alzheimer’s Association. This year’s event, which will include a 5K run and 1K fun walk , will take place at the Zerbe Retirement Community, 2499 Zerbe Road, Narvon, on Saturday, June 14. Registration will open at 8 a.m., and the 5K and walk will begin at 9:30 a.m. Participants and attendees are encouraged to wear purple to the event. This is the third year for the
fundraiser. Paint the Town Purple began in 2023 at Historic Joanna Furnace. This is the second year it is being held at the retirement community. “We’re hoping to grow it this year. We are trying to attract runners from the L ancaster area (as well),” Cronomiz noted, adding, “The past two years we had beautiful weather. The 5K is professionally timed, and we accurately measured the course to be a 5K.” Nonrunners and walkers are also invited to attend to cheer on the 5K participants, but it is requested that they arrive by 9:15 am. due to a road closure. “The run goes out of Zerbe Mansion and down the hill on Zerbe Road and turns right onto Hammertown Road. The Caernarvon Township police will
have half of the road secured and the other half (open) to let out runners,” Cronomiz explained. “Then, they run up the hill about a half mile to the top of Zerbe Road and turn left. They will go along School House Lane, which is on the campus.” She noted that the walkers will stay on the campus on School House Lane. Retirement community residents are also involved in efforts to support the Alzheimer’s Association. “They did a bingo on May 19, and they raised $310,” she said. “The residents will also do a bake sale at the race.” There will also be an opportunity for attendees to win gift baskets through a random drawing. 5K participants will get five tickets, but the public may purchase tickets to win prizes, such as Wawa and Olive Garden gift cards.
Last year’s event drew more than 90 golfers.
MCC
In your mailbox & online BY FRANCINE FULTON
“It will be fun … like a treasure hunt,” said Melissa Harrop, AgConnect communications coordinator, when describing the Chester County Farmers Market Trail, which invites people to experience 10 different farmers markets across Chester County and collect a stamp at each one. Those who complete a Farmers Market Trail card will receive a special “Ag Swag Bag.”
“Sometimes vendors change, or what each vendor brings week to week may change depending on what their stock is,” Harrop added. “Going to a farmers market is a new experience every time you go. You never know what you are going to find.” During the first-time event, being presented by AgConnect, local families are invited to take fun road trips to the various markets throughout the county. Participating markets are
Community Comes Together to Locate Lost Dog
See Farmers Markets pg 4
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See Run/Walk pg 2
Community Invited To Discover Chester County Farmers Markets
BY FRANCINE FULTON
POSTMASTER: PLEASE DELIVER JUN. 11, 2025
PRSRT STD ECRWSS U.S. Postage Paid Engle Printing Co
Postal Patron
During the height of the January blizzard, Fancy, a 5-year-old Shih Tzu mix, took off from her home in the Summerfield development in Elverson. Over the next two weeks, while Fancy was missing, the community rallied together to find her. There were people out looking for her in the bitter cold, and for those who were not local and couldn’t search,
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POSTMASTER: PLEASE DELIVER MAR. 4, 2026
PRSRT STD ECRWSS U.S. Postage Paid Engle Printing Co
Postal Patron
OCC
BY FRANCINE FULTON
they offered prayers for her safe return. Ultimately, with the help of the neighbors and a dog tracker who volunteered to help, Fancy was returned to her owner safe and unharmed. Linda Smith adopted Fancy from a rescue on June 26, 2025. The dog was surrendered to the rescue from a puppy mill and was shy and timid around people. “I didn’t know what she was going to be like, but I said, ‘I am not leaving this dog here,’”
said Smith, when describing her first visit with Fancy. Exactly seven months later on Jan. 26, Fancy escaped at 4 a.m. after she “asked” to be let outside. “She and I were sleeping in a chair, which is what I was doing with her when I first got her, because I felt she needed the human touch,” Smith recalled. “She woke me up frantic (to go out). I usually put her on the deck, but the snow was way too deep. Something scared her See Fancy pg 3
Linda Smith and Fancy Photo by Francine Fulton
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