Octorara NOVEMBER 12, 2025
SERVING OUR COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
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Open House Highlights Penn State Extension BY FRANCINE FULTON
ONLINE P FALL EVENT CALENDAR
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enn State Extension recently held an open house, where attendees were able to lear n about Chester County 4-H Clubs for youths as well as talk with Extension professionals such as Master Gardeners. Dur ing the event , held on Nov. 1 at the Chester County 4-H Center in Honey Brook, visitors were invited to travel through various displays to learn about Extension programs and the 4-H Clubs, many of which brought along animals, including cows, sheep and rabbits. “We had open houses years ago, but it was just 4-H. This year, we put Lynden Kersten (left) and Briar Boyle represented the Gum Tree Horse & Pony Club a spin on it to (make during the open house. Photo by Francine Fulton it) Ex tension- wide,” explained Audrey Reith, Extension we learn about the best food for a Extension. She is part of Pennsyleducator. “We have Jodi Gauker here horse to eat. Sometimes we have a vania’s Expanded Food and Nutriwith our ag businesses realm; Laura horse there and we learn how to do tion Education Program (EFNEP), Kenny, our equine specialist for the massage,” said Boyle. “We will learn which provides instruction in how to tack them and braid them. practical cooking skills, food safety region; and Master Gardeners.” Among the exhibitors at the open Depending on the theme, they will and nutrition. While teaching, Myers uses the house were members of the Gum get a different experience. There Tree 4-H Horse & Pony Club, which are also a lot of leadership activi- MyPlate model, which replaced the is open to youths ages 8 to 18. The ties and public speaking activities.” food pyramid. The plate has five club also has a Cloverbuds program She noted that club members sections: fruits, vegetables, grains, for youngsters ages 5 to 8. recently qualified to participate in protein and dairy. The vegetable “It is not necessary to own a the Pennsylvania State 4-H Horse section is the largest one on the horse. Anyone can come visit us,” Show held at the Pennsylvania plate, while the dairy section is the said adult volunteer Alicia Boyle. Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg. smallest. “(Club members) learn about To learn more about club mem“I focus on MyPlate, which is a horses, how to act around them bership, visit https://extension cheat sheet on how to eat healthy,” and keep an eye out for any strug- .psu.edu/programs/4-h/counties/ Myers explained. “We have five gles they may be having.” chester/clubs/horse/gum-tree. food groups, and it makes it easy She said that the club covers Also participating in the open to see what a balanced meal looks various equine-related topics at house was Liz Myers, a nutrition like. It’s very visual.” its monthly meetings. “Sometimes education adviser for Penn State During the program, Myers may See Open House pg 2
VOL XXXV • NO 37
Octorara PTO To Host Annual Fall Fest BY FRANCINE FULTON
The Octorara Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) will present its annual Fall Family Fun Fest on Friday, Nov. 14, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Octorara Primary Learning Center, 87 Highland Road, Atglen. The fundraiser will feature games, food, carnival rides and hayrides. The event will take place inside and outside the school building, and all activities will be free and open to the public. “The Octorara Fall Fest is a true community celebration; families, friends and neighbors are all welcome, whether or not you attend Octorara,” said Nala Bennett, vice
“The Octorara Fall Fest is a true community celebration.” president of the Octorara PTO and one of the event organizers. She noted that the games will be run by Octorara staff members, and the Houghton family has donated a carousel and a fun house for the evening. “Everything is completely free. Admission and games are free for everyone who attends,” said Bennett. “Families can enjoy a wide variety of carnival-style games, with plenty of chances to win fun little prizes.” Food will be available for purchase throughout the event from the Nacho Depot food truck. “We will also have classic funnel cakes, and our PTO board will be See Fall Fest pg 8
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