Octorara SEPTEMBER 17, 2025
SERVING OUR COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
REACHING MORE THAN 3,720 HOMES
Cochranville To Commemorate 300th Anniversary
See Fall Festival pg 5
See 4-H Auction pg 6
Williams, Duane Hershey, Jenny Kauffman, Donna McCool and (not
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL XXXIII • NO 19
Golf Tournament To Support Animal House Project
See Cochranville pg 8 pictured) Doug Engle. Photo by Francine Fulton
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
Canine Partners for Life To Host Fall Festival
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
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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 See Farmers Markets pg 4
BY FRANCINE FULTON
R118677
See Run/Walk pg 2
Community Invited To Discover Chester County Farmers Markets
POSTMASTER: PLEASE DELIVER JUN. 11, 2025
PRSRT STD ECRWSS U.S. Postage Paid Engle Printing Co
Postal Patron
R121573
Guests will be able to meet puppies in training.
POSTMASTER: PLEASE DELIVER SEPT. 17, 2025
PRSRT STD ECRWSS U.S. Postage Paid Engle Printing Co
Postal Patron
OCC
BY FRANCINE FULTON
Canine Partners for Life (CPL), 334 Faggs Manor Road, Cochranville, will hold its annual Fall Festival on Saturday, Sept. 20, from noon to 4 p.m. Attendees will not only enjoy fun activities, but they will also learn about CPL , which trains ser vice and companion dogs to help people with physical, developmental and cognitive disabilities. The goal is
BY FRANCINE FULTON
to provide these individuals with independence and enhance their quality of life. The Fall Festival will feature vendors offering a variety of items, including baked goods, beef jerky and pet-related products such as dog treats and apparel. The Avon Grove Lions Club will also set up a booth. Live music will be provided by Ol’ 442, and there will be a Puppy Kissing Booth. Guests will have the
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ochranville will commemorate its 300th anniversary with a community celebration on Saturday, Sept. 20. Events will include a parade, family activities, food, live music and historical presentations. Festivities will start with the parade at 9 a.m. that will begin at the Cochranville United Methodist Church, 92 Church St. The parade, which will feature antique cars, trucks and tractors, along with other attractions, will travel along old Route 41 and Steelville Road and will end at the West Fallowfield Township grounds, 3095 Limestone Road. Activities will continue after the parade from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Committee members planning the event are (from left) Denise Lewis, township building and grounds. Kelly Stoltzfus, Erwin Stoltzfus, Bill Hershey, Kacie Hershey, Caysie
JUNE 11, 2025
Auction To Benefit Chester County 4-H Each year, the Chester County 4-H benefit auction offers people an opportunity to bid on a variety of goods like handmade quilts, artwork and collectibles, as well as fresh items donated by Chester County farms, including mushrooms, pumpkins and chrysanthemums. This year’s auction will take place on Saturday, Sept. 20, at the Romano 4-H Center, located at 1841 Horseshoe Pike (Route 322), Honey Brook. The event will include a silent auction that will be held from 4 to 6 p.m., followed by a live auction at 6 p.m. Admission is free. “People start coming in at 3 p.m. to view the silent auction (items) and get their bid numbers,” explained Audrey Reith, Penn State Extension educator. The silent auction will feature many products and ser vices donated by local residents and businesses, including gift certificates. The live auction will feature handmade goods, farm products, antiques, tools and collectibles. Youth members from local 4-H clubs also contribute to the auction by putting together themed gift baskets. “We usually have a barbecue basket or one with a baking theme,” noted Reith. 4 - H yo u t h s a l s o prov ide assistance during the auction, serving as runners and helping display items for auctioneer Bill McCauley, who volunteers his time for the event each year. “If you have never bid before, he helps,” Reith said. “He makes jokes throughout. He’s entertaining. His (catch phrase) is
BY FRANCINE FULTON
townlively.com
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