Solanco townlively.com
NOVEMBER 27, 2024
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL LXI • NO 32
I “ will give thanks to the Lord because of His righteousness; I will sing the praises of the name of the Lord Most High.” Psalm 7:17
SNM gears up for holiday programs and improvements in the new year
Spooknacht, a Lancaster County tradition lost to time
BY ADRIAN ESCHENWALD
BY ADRIAN ESCHENWALD
warm. The self-serve lobby also contains basic food items yearround, including eggs, milk and bread donated by local bakeries and grocery stores. Ever y year, Solanco High School’s FFA chapter partners with SNM for a Christmas fruit
Lancaster County has a long history of unique traditions and community-centered events. From annual celebrations such as Maize and Snitz Fest in Lampeter and East Petersburg’s Blues Festival to county-wide programs like the Miss Lancaster County pageant, every town contributes to the area’s distinct culture. Many annual traditions have withstood the test of time and continue to be held today, but some events, such as Spooknacht, have been lost to time. In 2024, few people have ever heard of Spooknacht. But prior to the 1970s, the annual event was highly anticipated by community members, and it involved every school in the county. According to archived photographs and clippings from old newspapers, Spooknacht took place every year around Halloween, and the event was organized by the former L ancaster Jaycees. One photograph from LancasterHistory’s archive, believed to have been taken during an event circa 1950, shows members of the Jaycees serving food
See SNM pg 3
See Spooknacht pg 8
Todd Capitao, Solanco Neighborhood Ministries’ director of programming, presents the newly wrapped van the organization acquired earlier this year.
potatoes, canned pineapple and cake mix. Donations may be dropped off at the food bank from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Mondays through Thursdays, and from 9 a.m. to noon on Fridays, until Friday, Dec. 13. In the summer season, SNM
stocks its self-serve lobby with fresh produce donated by local farmers. As the weather becomes colder, the organization partners with multiple churches in the community to keep the lobby stocked with hats, gloves, mittens and scarves to keep patrons
BLACK
FRIDAY
NOW THRU DECEMBER 4th POSTMASTER: PLEASE DELIVER NOV. 27, 2024
PRSRT STD ECRWSS U.S. Postage Paid Engle Printing Co
Postal Patron
SOL
S
olanco Neighborhood Ministries (SNM) and its network of volunteers work hard to offer the Southern End a variety of services and community outreach programs. The nonprofit organization, which is headquartered at 14 S. Church St. in downtown Quarryville, provides support to the community yearround. However, community members’ specific needs change with the seasons, and SNM is focusing its efforts to support local residents during the winter months. One of SNM’s primary focuses is addressing food insecurity throughout the Southern End. The organization operates a food bank in Quarryville that is frequently stocked with produce and essential meal ingredients. During the holiday season, SNM distributes Thanksgiving and Christmas meals to families in the area. The nonprofit expects to deliver holiday meals to more than 150 families this year, and Christmas meals will be distributed on Tuesday, Dec. 17. Community members may support the Christmas meal program by donating items such as ham steaks, canned green beans,
sale
BROWNSTOWN CLEONA MYERSTOWN
approved credit, SPECIAL FINANCING for up to 12 MONTHS With see store for details.
NEW PROVIDENCE
Furniture is Available Only at This Location
Open Black Friday 8am-5pm & Saturday 9am-2pm
R113104