Pequea Valley Look Inside townlively.com
AUGUST 21, 2024
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL LX • NO 35
Family mission Foundation puts picnic tables in Paradise Park BY ANN MEAD ASH
T
he email from the Witmer family to David S. Thompson, Paradise Township manager, said that the family wanted to donate two youth-sized picnic tables in memory of their son, Zane. “We can create an environment for families to make lasting memories together. We hope that this donation will enhance the overall park experience and bring joy to all who visit,” the family stated. The tables were readily accepted for placement in the park on Aug. 7. “I’m inspired by your motivation to transform grief into a positive and lasting impact,” wrote Thompson in response. On Aug. 7 at 11 a.m., the Witmer family - David and Jennifer and their children David Jr. and Caitlyn - met with Paradise Park manager Adr yan Yothers at the park, 6 London Vale Road, Pa ra d i s e . Two yo u t h - s i z e d
picnic tables were stacked in a blue trailer painted with web addresses for the Zane A. Witmer Memorial Foundation. Father and son removed the two tables, which were placed on the corners of a playground adjacent to one of the park pavilions. “We were last here (in the park) in 2017,” recalled Jennifer, who noted that David Jr. was part of the Scouting program that met in a building in the park. “We would come down here to play.” Jennifer recalled the family taking part in the annual Easter egg hunt held in the park, as well. The family has placed 14 picnic tables in area parks, including tables in Strasburg and Bird-in-Hand. The Witmer family lost its youngest son, Zane, age 2 and a half, in August of 2017 in Fort Myers, Fla. Jennifer explained that while the Witmers were moving a family member to a new home, Zane disappeared. David later found the toddler in The Witmer family - (from left) Jennifer, David, David Jr., and Caitlyn - at one of two picnic tables the family See Foundation pg 2 donated to Paradise Park
Summer better than others BY ANN MEAD ASH
It started when PA Auction Center began renting yard sale and craft sale spaces in conjunction with Blue Ball Days. “Leon (Stoltzfus, part owner of the center) mentioned that we could make it bigger and get the community involved,” said employee Jocilynn Vanleer, who noted that visitors would get an opportunity to see and learn about the auction facility. The first PA Auction Center Summer Fest will be held on
Saturday, Aug. 31, in the parking lots of the building located at 1141 Wea-Wit St., East Earl. Music, games, prizes, and giveaways will all be part of the event. All proceeds will benefit CrossNet Ministries, Garden Spot Fire Rescue, and New Holland Ambulance. In addition, attendees are encouraged to bring a nonperishable food item that is not out of date to donate to the CrossNet Food and Nutrition Center. The event will open at 7 a.m. Jocilynn Vanleer (left) and Leon with yard sale and crafter tables Stoltzfus are looking forward to in the parking lot closest to the the first Summer Fest to be held
BY FRANCINE FULTON
In conjunction with borough-wide yard sales in Christiana on Saturday, Aug. 24, the Friends of the Moores Memorial Library will hold its own yard sale and a chicken barbecue. The Read Moore Book Store, located in the lower level of the library, will also be open that day. The yard sale at the library will begin at 8 a.m. Chicken halves, prepared on-site in the library parking lot by Randy Yoder, will be sold beginning at 10 a.m.
See PA Auction Center pg 6 at the PA Auction Center.
Joan Esworthy, Friends president, noted that a variety of yard sale items have been donated by Friends members. “We will have tables set up outside and inside,” she said. “We will have housewares, décor, some jewelry, toys and games.” Esworthy noted that donations are also being sought for the yard sale. All items must be clean and in good condition. No clothing or appliances will be accepted. Donations may be brought to the library during its hours of operation: Mondays, Wednesdays and See Library pg 7
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Fest scheduled to coincide with Blue Ball Days
Christiana library Friends to host yard sale, barbecue