Law Enforcement Appreciation Day Thanks Officers

(Shopping News Photo by Donald Reese)

Reamstown Elementary School held a special assembly as part of Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, which falls in early January. The School planned a special program to honor the East Cocalico Police Department. Poems, posters and messages offering support were presented by each class. The event wrapped up with the entire school lining the halls and waving blue flags as Cocalico Police Chief Darrick Keppley, who is shown smiling and interacting with children, walks in front of Reamstown EMT Michelle Masoner.

“Glance At Romance” Book Sale At Adamstown Library

(Shopping News Photo by Donald Reese)

The Friends of the Adamstown Area Library will hold their annual “Glance At Romance” book sale from now through Thursday, February 14, or while supplies last. Library staff and volunteers decorate bags with Valentines and lace. The bags are filled with eight romance novels and placed throughout the library where they serve as holiday decorations and eye-catching fundraisers. If you have a “special someone” who enjoys reading romance novels, here is a unique Valentine gift for them. Stop by the library to purchase a bag of books and find out about the other services and programs which are available to the community.

Shown in the photo, from left to right, are Helen Youndt, Brenda Hinden, Heidi Engle, Joy Maier, Margaret Harting, Carole Evans and Pat Acebo.

26th Annual Lions Spaghetti Dinner To Honor One Of Their Own

(Shopping News Photo by Donald Reese)

For the 26th time the Akron Lions will prepare an All You Can Eat Spaghetti Dinner to be served Sunday, January 27, from 11:00 a.m. until sold out. This year’s event has taken on a new and different meaning for the club. One of their members needs help to make life a little easier for he and his family. Frank Gatti who has served the club as its President (2010-2011) and Treasurer (2011-2017) is courageously fighting the effects of the debilitating disease ALS. “Frank needs some equipment to allow necessary mobility,” explains current Club President Tim Kilhefner, “the equipment is very expensive and not covered by medical insurance.” The Akron Lions are joining with Hospice of Lancaster County to raise funds to purchase the equipment for Frank.

Shown in the photo, from left to right, are Briana Riley (CNA, caregiver), Don Good (Lions Spaghetti Chairman), Phil Rutt (Lion member), Frank Gatti and Carmen Gatti.

He has been a champion for the Lancaster community through his career of 34 years at Community Action Program – Lancaster, the county’s largest anti-poverty organization, serving as its Chief Financial Officer. He also served the Akron Lions with his many, many hours of volunteering earning the Melvin Jones Award and Lion of the Year. Kilhefner added, “It is now our turn to serve Frank and his wife Carmen in their time of need.” The club goal for the dinner is to raise enough funds that together with other donations will cover the cost of the needed equipment. Additional donations can be made during the event, which is held at the Akron Fire Hall.

The dinner includes spaghetti made with the club’s famous secret sauce recipe, Italian bread, a fresh salad and delicious dessert. The sauce takes more than 24 hours to prepare to meet the exact standards of Lion Kay “Mac” McEllhenney, its creator. The Akron Boy Scouts will again be assisting the Akron Lions setting up, bussing and clearing tables.

This year’s event follows the same traditions that were established long ago. A portion of the ground beef that was purchased for the Ephrata Fair stand was reserved for the spaghetti dinner. A number of the customers at the fair commented that this year’s beef selection by Lion Dale Herr was the best ever. It is with great anticipation that this year’s organizers Lion Phil Rutt and Lion Dave Austin look forward to serving the tastiest “secret sauce” that the Akron Lions have ever prepared. There is a cost and children under the age of six are admitted for free. The Akron/Ephrata community is urged to come out and support the Akron Lions as they assist in supporting Frank and Carmen.

Light Snow Adds Beauty To The Local Landscape

(Shopping News Photo by Jeffrey White)

So far this year Lancaster County has been lucky enough to dodge treacherous winter snow. This peaceful photograph was taken in Ephrata at Bitzer’s Mill Covered Bridge after a recent light snow storm blew through.