Juniata Co. Christmas 2025

Experiencing the joy of Christmas in Juniata County

BY LYNDON B. STIMELING

EVENDALE — As I considered writing this article, I felt another title would be appropriate: “Location, Location, Location.” At the present time, I am living behind Evendale and I have been here since 1982. Not long ago, I was refecting on the various Christmas experiences I have had at the different places I have lived.

I am now in the open Juniata Valley, where I can look toward Miffintown or toward Richfeld. I watch the moon rise in the valley or sometimes over the Evendale ridge. At one time, I could see most of the houses in Evendale by looking out my front window. Over a time period of forty-three years, some of those houses are no longer easy to see.

In 1982, I could appreciate some of the Christmas lights in Evendale and enjoy the seasonal celebration from my own house. Trees have grown up and others have matured, partially blocking the view (how time fies). I can still enjoy many of the lights and Christmas decorations that are close, and others far away, like on the Evendale hill. I also realize that with the passing of time, my eyes do not see as they did one time.

Before I moved back here, I lived in the metropolis of Kellerville. The little village was situated south of Evendale, down in the kettle where several valleys came together. At one time, it was a thriving community, as big or bigger than Evendale. It could boast of hatcheries, a portable feed mill and poultry hauling business. There was a carpet manufacturer, layer (chicken) houses, and from Kellerville to Swartz

Valley, there were three stores at one time. There was also the James Neimond Sr. Excavating-Hauling, which was in business for many years.

From my porch windows, I could look down on the sleepy little village where I had spent much of my childhood years playing softball, hide and seek, ice skating, riding bicycle or a motorcycle in the shale pit when I got older. And I can’t forget the good times we had going to the Niemond’s Picnic. It was the perfect place for a young child to have good, clean fun.

I could see some of the Christmas decorations that kind of dressed up the quiet little village and helped us get into the spirit of the season. There was also the annual Christmas program at Niemond’s church (located in Lauver Valley at that time), which was just a short distance away. They always gave the kids in Sunday School a large navel orange and a small box of candy around Christmas time.

Before that, I lived “up the holler” where it was quiet except for an airplane fying over once in a while. There was hardly any traffc on the road, and the grass grew up in the middle. There were times when we would take our bikes up the steep hill and coast down.

It wasn’t always a happy ending. Sometimes one of us would get into the stones, lose control, and end up with bloody arms, legs, and face. There would be a lot of pain and suffering for about three weeks. A couple of weeks later, we would be ready to try the steep hill again.

As a child, Christmas was always quiet up the holler. You couldn’t see other houses or look down on

Kellerville; neither could you see the decorations they had put up. In the fall of the year, the bright moon would shine through the young stand of white pines on our neighbor’s property. It appeared to be a large spotlight shining through and lighting up the back side of the hill. All the locations I have lived were wonderful places to experi-

ence the Christmas season and show love, kindness and respect to our neighbors and others around us.

Acts 2:8 tells us:

“Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the felds, keeping watch over their focks by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said

to them, Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.”

“For there is born to you this day in the city of David a savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign to you: you will fnd the Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude

of the heavenly host praising God and saying: Glory to God in the highest, And peace on earth, Good will toward men!”

So what can we learn from this short passage of Scripture? Christmas

‘An East Waterford Christmas’ brightens the season

BY GREG WILLIAMS Sentinel reporter gwilliams@lewistownsentinel.com

EAST WATERFORD –

The holidays always seem to shine bright in the Juniata River Valley, and the Fourth Annual An East Waterford Christmas was no exception.

From the delectable aromas of the food trucks on Friday, Dec. 5 – the opening night of the three-day event – festive glow of lights at the park nightly, this year’s theme, “The Greatest Gift,” was abundantly clear.

“For me, it’s all magical,” said organizer and founder Judy Mummau.

“But the Live Nativity is really special. To have that gi-normous bonfre with

all the lights and the park pavilion decorated. As the sun sets, people gather around the bonfre to see the Live Nativity.”

Even going down the main street of town, a lot of the homes are decorated festively for the holiday season. There’s nothing quite like An East Waterford Christmas.

“It all just came together by what we call a ‘Happy Accident,’” Mummau quipped. “I was doing a painting party at Lovetwo Eat Farm, there was a craft show at the East Waterford Fire Hall, tours were going on at the American House and bingo for kids was happening at the Tuscarora Grange. And, it’s just grown from there.”

The fourth edition promised to be bigger and better

than ever, Mummau said.

Whether it was barbecue, or “Que,” by Du, Olivia’s Fresh Cut Fries or Huffy Pizza and Pretzels, there was an assortment of food to pick from at this year’s An East Waterford Christmas.

At 6 p.m., folks in attendance gathered for the town tree lighting, made possible by the Lack-Tuscarora EMS. The tree was also donated by Laura Walker. The crowd that gathered shared a Christmas hymn sing, prayer and candle lighting by Village Lighthouse Chapel. Holiday music by Brian and Jayde Worley also helped put people in the spirit. After the tree lighting, the American House will be open for those who wish to warm up and take a tour of the frst foor of the iconic historic building. The Reeses created wooden gift boxes that lined the main street and spotlighted this year’s theme. Wood was donated by Donald and Malia Shoop.

lunch menus, they go all out with a full menu of delicious foods,” Mummau said. “The EMS had Java by Jovi’s and the fre hall had Bubble teas.

The General Store also offered a fun passport, allowing participants to collect tickets at various locations, including Nanakins Shenangins, and enter for a chance at prizes.

“There’s indoor seating, so you have a comfortable place to sit and eat on a cold day,” Mummau added. The Wildwood RV decorated the fre hall head to toe in Christmas decor. One of the highlights was seeing how it is was decorated.”

On Saturday, Dec. 6 –day two of An East Waterford Christmas – there were more food options as the Lack-Tuscarora EMS hosted breakfast and lunch then sold barbecue chicken. Also, the East Waterford Fire Hall did the same with breakfast and lunch. Snacks were also available at several nearby churches.

“For the breakfast and

The East Waterford General Store and Lovetwo Eat Farm Store also provided mouth-watering options. Lovetwo Eat served up specialty hot dogs and sausages.

For many, the other highlight of the day – besides food – was the shopping, with more vendors and more locations this year. Lack-Tuscarora EMS housed the Christmas Bazaar and the Fire Hall was the site of the Craft Show. There were also arts and crafts in the Faith in Christ Church, East Waterford General Store and Lovetwo Eat Farm Store.

“We always have an

Joy

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life to all who receive Him by faith. In verse eleven, it tells us there is a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. There is only one savior of men, and that is Christ the Lord.

So, when you think of Christmas, think of these words, “Location, Location, Location.” The Shepherds were out in the felds keeping watch over their

focks by night when they were given the good news. I was living up the holler, down in Kellerville, and now at Evendale. It doesn’t matter where you are (your location), when Christmas comes, we need to refect on God’s goodness to us and celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

excellent amount of well-crafted vendors,” Mummau said. “The local vendors have a wide variety of things that they have made or assembled. You can do all of your Christmas shopping in one town and support local at the same time. There’s soaps, candles, jewelry, decorations, memorabilia, toys and games.”

There was also plenty of free stuff for the kids. This included: crafts for kids at

JUNIATA COUNTY CHRISTMAS

East Waterford Presbyterian Church; Santa’s Workshop at the Park; seeing the animals at Lovetwo Eat Farm; and kids Christmas bingo at the Tuscarora Grange, including free hot dogs, treats and lots of prizes.

There was also fun for everyone, with a make and take with Painting Parties by Judy at the Faith in Christ Church; free photo both with Christian Retreat Center; and Christ-

• Gifts

• Toys

• Housewares

• Baby Items

• and much more! and we do mean variety...

Lots of Great Gifts to choose from!

• Health/First Aid

• Natural Herbs

• Sofas

• Rocking Chairs

• Camping Supplies

• Gardening Supplies

• Sprinklers

• Fabrics

• Sewing Supplies

• Baby Items

• Apparel

• Housewares

• Lighting Candles

• Laundry Carts/ Tubs

• Blankets/Throws

• Books

Puzzles

Games

• Canning Supplies

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Mon, Tues & Thurs 8am-6pm; Wed & Sat 8am-5pm; Fri 8am-7pm

mas story program and Giving Tree at Faith in Christ Church.

There were also Nativity Collections at the East Waterford Presbyterian Church; Gingerbread House displays at the East Waterford General Store; and an outdoor train display at the American House.

“East year, individuals and businesses try to think of creative ways to be part of it,” Mummau said. “Tom and Jeanne Reese take our theme and go all out with it, from top to the bottom and side to side.”

There were also churches decorated for the holidays and playing festive music, providing a warm place to relax.

And, who could forget the Live Nativity and activities, hosted by the South Juniata Baptist Church at the Carnival Grounds. There were animals, crafts for the kids, food, warm drinks, a bonfre and caroling.

On the fnal day – Sunday, Dec. 7 – the Jeremy Goodling Christmas Concert was certainly a highlight at the Faith in Christ Community Church.

“An East Waterford Christmas allows you to take a step back in time, stroll down Main Street and put yourself in a historical location. We try to have something for all ages - all within walking distance or within a short distance,” Mummau said.

“It puts you in a relaxed mood, hearing music that will get you ready for Christmastime,” Mummau added. “It’s also about visiting with people in the community.”

There was also a Christmas Door Swag Workshop at the Lovetwo Eat Farm as well as wine and bingo spirits at the East Waterford Fire Hall and one fnal night of lights at the park.

Submitted photos

Above: Some of the many East Waterford organizers, from left, Jess Lee, Jeanne Reese, Caitlynn Brown, Cheyenne Crouse, Judy Mummau, Trudy Rudy and Troy Burdge holding town decor.

Below: Santa waves ‘hello’ from his workshop.

Juniata County Food Supports

Food Distributions:

Juniata County Food Pantry (717) 436-9718. 1x per month Tuesday; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (closed noon – 1 p.m.) and Saturday 9 a.m.-noon * Also offers Senior Plus Program-Juniata residents 60 years old and up with qualifying income*

Lighthouse Community Church (717) 417-0767. Food and clothing distribution 3rd Saturday of the month, Noon-3 p.m. Food and clothing available throughout the month also. Call for an appointment

Arch Rock United Methodist Church The second Friday and Saturday of the month from 9-11 a.m.

Bread of Life – Thompsontown Journey Christian Church (717) 535-0022. 1x per month 4th Saturday of each month; 9 a.m.-noon

Gita-Nagari Farm with Fresh Express (717) 527-4101. The 2nd and 4th Thursday; 11:30 a.m. at the entrance of the ISKCON Farm, 534 Gita Nagari Rd., Port Royal.

East Waterford Presb. Bethesda Food Bags (717) 7343780. 2nd Saturday each month; 9-10:30 a.m.

Faith United Methodist Church (717) 734-3162. Free lunch the first and third Wednesdays – 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., East Waterford.

Table of Grace Food Pantry 3rd Saturday of every month 9 a.m-1 p.m. Call Mount Pleasant Mills United Methodist Church on Tuesdays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Emmanuel UMC Rte. 35, Mt. Pleasant Mills.

Rock Assembly of God (717) 527-9989. 5082 McCoysville Rd., Mifflin.

Other Food Resources:

Area Agency on Aging (717) 242-0315. Home delivered meals (eligibility determines how often for deliveries – intake is necessary) must be 60+ years.

WIC (717) 248-5339. Food vouchers for Women who are pregnant, nursing, or have children 5 yrs. or younger can apply. Men and grandparents who have custody of children 5 yrs. or younger are encouraged to apply.

*Monthly food calendars can be found on the Mifflin Juniata Human Services Department website: www.co.mifflin.pa.us/dept/HS (click on the Food Resources tab on the left).

Juniata Valley International Gifts Sale supported by community

BY LINDA GEISSINGER

MIFFLINTOWN — An opportunity to participate in a Fair Trade event was held on Nov. 13 to 15, 2025 in Juniata County, at Cedar Grove Church, Miffintown. The Juniata Valley International Gifts Sale is held annually during the

third weekend in November.

The Cedar Grove Church fellowship hall was packed with Fair Trade items which were all unpacked

and displayed by around 30 volunteers on Thursday afternoon. By evening, the hall was ready for shoppers and had been transformed into a shopping paradise with displays of Christmas items, nativities, ornaments, trees, etc. Two tables inside the main entrance contained all types of foods from coffees to olive oils, chocolates to spices, teas to soup mixes and more. Other displays included jewelry, toys, wooden carved animals, and the list goes on.

The 10 principles of Fair Trade are:

The Juniata Valley International Gifts Sale was held Nov. 13 to 15 at Cedar Grove Church, Mifintown.

(1) Opportunities for Disadvantaged Producers, (2) Transparency and Accountability, (3) Fair Trade Practices, (4) Fair Payment, (5) No Child Labor - No forced Labor, (6) No discrimination –Gender Equity – Freedom of Association, (7) Good Working Conditions,

(8) Capacity Building, (9) Promote Fair Trade, (10) Respect for the Environment.

The committee appreciates the help of approximately 50 volunteers who help throughout the event and the support of the community.

Every purchase impacts the lives of artisans from around the world. They are given a fair wage for their items. You make a difference in their lives.

Community ‘Blue Christmas’ at Lost Creek Presbyterian Church

BY REV. KAREN WARD Pastor

Trinity Lutheran Church,

McAlisterville

McALISTERVILLE — A community “Blue Christmas service” will be held Wed., Dec. 17 at 7 p.m. at Lost Creek Presbyterian Church, 517 Main St., McAlisterville.

What is a “Blue Christmas service?” This service offers a quieter space for individuals to grieve during the busy, bustling holiday season. It also offers hope at the end of a difficult year by reassuring us that Jesus was born into a grieving and struggling world.

This quiet, contemplative community worship service is created with those who are struggling, whether it’s with grief, financial concerns, or a general worry for the realities of unrest in our lives and world, in mind. Held the Wednesday before Christmas Eve, as the nights grow longer and the darkness seems unending, this service acknowledges that Christmas is not always joyful for everyone. Grief, illness, financial stress, fractured relationships, or

speaks not only to celebration but also to comfort in times of darkness.

The “Blue Christmas service” will be held Wed., Dec. 17 at 7 p.m. at Lost Creek Presbyterian Church, 517 Main St., McAlisterville (In-person and streaming on Lost Creek’s Facebook page).

Christmas Service information (All services take place at Trinity Lutheran Church, McAlisterville except where noted).

Children’s Christmas program Sunday, Dec. 21 at 9 a.m.

lingering trauma can make the season’s celebrations feel overwhelming or isolating.

Unlike traditional holiday services filled with bright lights and festive music, a Blue Christmas

service includes soft lighting, reflective readings, peaceful music and prayers centered on lament, healing, and hope. Those who gather are invited to sit with God and each other with their honest emo-

tions. All are invited to light candles in remembrance of loved ones or as symbols of resilience.

Christmas in the Barn Wed., Dec. 24 at 3 p.m., Sawmill Ridge Heritage Farm, 1013 Dunn Valley Rd., McAlisterville.

Christmas Eve Candlelight service Wed., Dec. 24 at 7 p.m.

Christmas Day service Thur., Dec. 25 at 10 a.m.

Lessons and Carols service

Sunday, Dec. 28 at 9 a.m.

Epiphany service Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026 at 9 a.m.

Community Blue Christmas service Wed., Dec. 17 at 7 p.m., Lost Creek Presbyterian Church, 517 Main St., McAlisterville (In-person and streaming on Lost Creek’s Facebook page).

Pastors in the Juniata County Ministerium believe this service is an important offering to our communities as we come to the end of a difficult year marked by personal losses, hardships and global tensions. By providing a safe, compassionate space for people to grieve, our congregations help ensure that no one feels pressured to “pretend” to be joyful or walk through their pain alone during the holidays. Individual Pastoral care is offered at the end of this service to anyone wishing to receive it.

For those who attend, the service can become a turning point—an acknowledgment that sorrow and hope can coexist, and that the Christmas story

Beloved Christmas performance celebrates fourth decade

BY GREG WILLIAMS Sentinel reporter gwilliams@lewistownsentinel.com

MIFFLINTOWN – Decades ago, the now-beloved Community Christmas Cantata began when former Juniata High School band and chorus director Kevin Cunningham invited community members to sing with his chorus for a public performance.

Even though school cantatas had been going on well before that point – being performed back in the 1970s and ’80s.

On Sunday, the event celebrates another anniversary with more than 60 singers involved with this year’s Community Christmas Cantata. As has been the case in recent years, the cantata performance will be followed by group singing of familiar Christmas Carols.

The public performance of “The Winter Rose” will be performed at 2 p.m. at the Free Spring Church of the Brethren, located at 670 Free Spring Church Road in Mifflintown. If there is inclement weather, the snow date will be Sunday, Dec. 21.

“While admission will be free of charge, a free-will offering will be collected to benefit our local Juniata County Food Pantry,” said See Decade / Page 12

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Cunningham, who will once again direct the concert.

While local church choirs have performed Christmas cantatas for many years, the idea for a larger Community Christmas Cantata came about in 1997 when Cunningham invited local community members to join with Juniata High School chorus members for the holiday sing.

“Following months of rehearsal time, this event was very well received with over 135 singers performing in the JHS auditorium for a full-capacity audience,” Cunningham added.

From that point until

Cunningham’s retirement in June 2015, the cantata choruses averaged more than 130 total members for the community events with the 2013 and 2014 cantata performances including 151 and 161 singers.

The annual productions also included additional high school students providing live tableaux scenes as well as serving as lighting personnel. That increased the number of involved individuals to more than 170 persons for the 2014 performance.

Retired educator Sharon Storey organized the tableaux and lighting personnel for the school productions.

Following his retirement, Cunningham enjoyed being one of the participating singers. In 2019, he organized and led a Community Cantata choir

that performed at a local church.

Cunningham had a modest goal of recruiting 30 to 40 voices and the choir consisting of members from varying ages and different church affliations performed for a large attending audience.

“Up to this point, area churches that have hosted the Community Christmas Cantata rehearsals and performances have included St. Stephen’s, Port Royal, and Messiah Lutheran Churches, along with this year’s host church,” Cunningham said.

Again, this year’s cantata chorus includes more than 60 singers. Cunningham stated that he has always been grateful for the dedicated participants, assistance from valued individuals and strong support from the community.

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can House, which goes over the top to celebrate ‘An East Waterford Christmas.’

This year, owners Tom and Jeannie Reese decked out the frst foor of their home to the nines with Christmas cheer.

The Reeses teased visitors with photos of a train display on their porch. “I think you should keep it this way all year and we will be merry all year long,” one patron chirped on social media.

JUNIATA COUNTY CHRISTMAS

Their freplaces were covered with glamorous garland and chandeliers featuring long icicles. Christmas trees were stationed around every corner. And, nutcrackers transformed tabletops and were stationed on either side of the freplace in another room.

“Christmas Rules … Be kind and be of good cheer. Jingle all the way. Believe in the magic” read a sign on a bar.

The American Tour certainly will leave you with good tidings.